Set tongues wagging Meaning in English
expression
释义
To cause people to talk a lot about something, usually because it is surprising, shocking, or interesting; to create gossip or rumors.
用法与细微差别
This is an idiomatic, somewhat informal phrase. Common with stories of scandal, surprise, or rumors. Usually used in the past tense ('set tongues wagging') to describe an event that caused gossip. Not literal—never used for someone actually wagging their tongue.
例句
The celebrity's new outfit set tongues wagging.
basic
Their sudden marriage set tongues wagging in the town.
basic
The teacher's mysterious absence set tongues wagging among the students.
basic
Her expensive gift from an unknown admirer really set tongues wagging at the office.
natural
That photo on social media totally set tongues wagging last weekend.
natural
When the boss walked in late with a big smile, it instantly set tongues wagging among the staff.
natural