# raise the spectre

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/raise-the-spectre
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause concern that something unfortunate might happen.

## Examples

- The new tax laws raise the spectre of higher prices for everyone.
- The sudden drop in sales raised the spectre of layoffs for the entire department.
- The politician's controversial speech raised the spectre of civil unrest, leaving the public deeply anxious about the upcoming election results.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.