Set tongues wagging
phrase
To cause people to start talking or gossiping about something or someone.
The sudden resignation of the director set tongues wagging within the company.
Often appears as...
- set tongues wagging about
- set tongues wagging in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To cause people to start talking or gossiping about something or someone.
The sudden resignation of the director set tongues wagging within the company.
Often appears as...
- set tongues wagging about
- set tongues wagging in
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Gossip Trigger
Use this phrase when an event or action sparks curiosity and leads to people talking a lot.
Their secret wedding set tongues wagging across the small town.
Pro Tip 2/3Caution with Seriousness
Avoid using it for extremely serious or sensitive topics where gossip would seem inappropriate.
The phrase wouldn't fit in a discussion about a funeral that set tongues wagging.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
It's commonly used in informal situations and might not suit formal writings or speeches.
She changed her hair color and it set tongues wagging at the reunion.
Pro Tip 1/3Gossip Trigger
Use this phrase when an event or action sparks curiosity and leads to people talking a lot.
Their secret wedding set tongues wagging across the small town.
Pro Tip 2/3Caution with Seriousness
Avoid using it for extremely serious or sensitive topics where gossip would seem inappropriate.
The phrase wouldn't fit in a discussion about a funeral that set tongues wagging.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
It's commonly used in informal situations and might not suit formal writings or speeches.
She changed her hair color and it set tongues wagging at the reunion.
Pro Tip 1/3Gossip Trigger
Use this phrase when an event or action sparks curiosity and leads to people talking a lot.
Their secret wedding set tongues wagging across the small town.
Pro Tip 2/3Caution with Seriousness
Avoid using it for extremely serious or sensitive topics where gossip would seem inappropriate.
The phrase wouldn't fit in a discussion about a funeral that set tongues wagging.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context
It's commonly used in informal situations and might not suit formal writings or speeches.
She changed her hair color and it set tongues wagging at the reunion.
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