Set tongues wagging

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "set tongues wagging" - To cause people to start talking or gossiping about something or someone.

Often appears as...

  • set tongues wagging about
  • set tongues wagging in

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "set tongues wagging"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Gossip Trigger

Use this phrase when an event or action sparks curiosity and leads to people talking a lot.

Illustration for Gossip Trigger
Their secret wedding set tongues wagging across the small town.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Caution with Seriousness

Avoid using it for extremely serious or sensitive topics where gossip would seem inappropriate.

Illustration for Caution with Seriousness
The phrase wouldn't fit in a discussion about a funeral that set tongues wagging.
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Informal Context

It's commonly used in informal situations and might not suit formal writings or speeches.

Illustration for Informal Context
She changed her hair color and it set tongues wagging at the reunion.
Visual representation of the word "Set tongues wagging"

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