beat the drums of mayhem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beat the drums of mayhem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of inciting chaos or disorder, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "The politician's speech seemed designed to beat the drums of mayhem, stirring up fear and unrest among the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was hard to know who was more crazy, me, or everyone else," says our hero, as bug-eyed loons beat the drums of mayhem and the desert bursts into flames.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And on the stage was Dick Cheney, beating the drums of war".

Huffington Post

Beat the drums," he wrote.

The Washington Post

Now sound the trumpets, beat the drums,.

The New Yorker

And then beat the drums for them.

Huffington Post

Relentlessly beat the drum of experience over function.

Harvard Business Review

Beat the drum of debt reduction through the mainstream media megaphone.

Huffington Post

Sun is doing a big-time job of PR and promotion, beating the drums.

Forbes

And so the drums of war beat on, and the casualties mount.

Huffington Post

He beats the war drums on Iran.

The New York Times

Key moment: "I hear your hearrrt beat to the beat of the drums," boom, boom.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beat the drums of mayhem" when you want to evoke a vivid image of someone actively encouraging or instigating chaos, especially in a dramatic or theatrical way.

Common error

Avoid using "beat the drums of mayhem" too frequently, as its figurative nature can become tiresome if repeated excessively. Opt for more direct language when the situation doesn't warrant a dramatic or metaphorical expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beat the drums of mayhem" functions as an idiomatic expression used to vividly describe the act of inciting or encouraging chaos. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally grammatically correct and implies a deliberate action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beat the drums of mayhem" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of inciting chaos and disorder. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, especially news and media. While it's a vivid and descriptive expression, overuse should be avoided. Consider alternatives like ""incite chaos"" or ""stir up disorder"" for more direct communication. This expression is more common in neutral contexts compared to formal academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite chaos

Focuses directly on causing chaos without the metaphorical drumming.

fan the flames of chaos

Suggests intensifying existing chaotic situations.

unleash pandemonium

Implies releasing already existing chaotic forces.

stir up disorder

Emphasizes the creation of general disruption rather than targeted mayhem.

stoke the fires of anarchy

Focuses on creating a state of lawlessness and disorder.

spark off tumult

Focuses on the initial action that starts a noisy commotion.

provoke pandemonium

Highlights the act of instigating widespread, uncontrolled excitement or confusion.

trigger bedlam

Highlights initiating a state of extreme confusion and noise.

create uproar

Emphasizes generating public disturbance and protest.

foment unrest

Implies the encouragement of political or social agitation.

FAQs

What does "beat the drums of mayhem" mean?

The phrase "beat the drums of mayhem" means to incite or encourage chaos and disorder, often in a deliberate and theatrical manner. It suggests actively promoting a state of confusion or uncontrolled activity.

How can I use "beat the drums of mayhem" in a sentence?

You can use "beat the drums of mayhem" to describe situations where someone is actively stirring up trouble or inciting chaos. For example: "The politician's inflammatory rhetoric seemed designed to "incite chaos" and division."

What are some alternatives to "beat the drums of mayhem"?

Alternatives to "beat the drums of mayhem" include phrases like "stir up disorder", "provoke pandemonium", or "foment unrest", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "beat the drums of mayhem" a formal or informal expression?

"Beat the drums of mayhem" is generally considered an informal and idiomatic expression. It's suitable for creative writing or less formal contexts, but may not be appropriate for academic or professional writing where more direct language is preferred.