set tongues wagging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set tongues wagging" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to cause gossip or discussion among people. Example: The news of their secret relationship set tongues wagging among their coworkers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We'll set tongues wagging for the rest of the century.

The New Yorker

Sabah often set tongues wagging with her flamboyant life and her gregarious confessions to entertainment reporters.

Independent

Over the years, Elizabeth did not lose her ability to set tongues wagging.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our new national theatre's first-year programme has set tongues wagging.

The Guardian

The former Manchester United winger set tongues wagging when he said he had "exclusive guardianship" of the child.

Independent

TATI COTLIAR: The sight of the unknown leggy brunette opening Marc Jacobs's fall 2010 show set tongues wagging.

The New York Times

It would have set tongues wagging about who is actually in charge among Mr Singh, Mrs Gandhi and her son.

The Economist

MODEST-sized bond offerings even in volatile countries such as Indonesia do not usually set tongues wagging.

The Economist

Her effervescent personality and proximity to the people she works with have sometimes set tongues wagging in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Predator Costain, everyone's favoured bet, then said it wasn't the bidder, setting tongues wagging.

The Guardian - Business

She moves in with her dotty mother, Molly Ms. Daviss), and promptly sets tongues wagging and bad memories stirring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set tongues wagging" when you want to emphasize that a particular event, action, or piece of news is causing widespread gossip and speculation. It is most effective when the gossip has a slightly negative or scandalous tone.

Common error

Avoid using "set tongues wagging" in highly formal or academic writing. This phrase is idiomatic and better suited for journalistic or informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "set tongues wagging" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something is causing widespread gossip and speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set tongues wagging" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe situations causing widespread gossip and speculation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequency in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is less common in formal academic or scientific writing. When using the expression, consider the nuance it brings, which often implies a controversial or intriguing element that sparks public discussion. Alternatives like "cause a buzz" or "become the talk of the town" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become the talk of the town

Emphasizes widespread discussion within a community, suggesting a higher degree of public attention than simply "set tongues wagging".

cause a buzz

Focuses on creating excitement or interest, often implying a positive reaction, unlike "set tongues wagging" which can be neutral or negative.

fuel gossip

Highlights the act of intensifying existing rumors or idle talk; "set tongues wagging" can initiate the gossip.

spark rumors

Specifically emphasizes the generation of unverified information or speculation, whereas "set tongues wagging" is broader.

create a stir

Implies causing disruption or excitement, which might not always involve gossip, unlike "set tongues wagging".

generate speculation

Focuses on the creation of conjecture or guesswork about something, less directly linked to social chatter than "set tongues wagging".

cause a sensation

Implies a greater degree of excitement or shock than "set tongues wagging", often associated with widespread media coverage.

raise eyebrows

Suggests causing surprise or disapproval, often more subtle than the broader implications of "set tongues wagging".

provoke discussion

Focuses on initiating conversation, which is a broader and more neutral concept than the gossip implied by "set tongues wagging".

make headlines

Highlights significant news coverage; setting tongues wagging is a potential consequence, but not the primary focus.

FAQs

How can I use "set tongues wagging" in a sentence?

You can use "set tongues wagging" to describe situations where news or actions are causing a lot of gossip and speculation. For example, "The CEO's sudden resignation "set tongues wagging" among the employees".

What does "set tongues wagging" mean?

"Set tongues wagging" means to cause people to gossip or talk a lot about something, often something scandalous or surprising.

What can I say instead of "set tongues wagging"?

You can use alternatives like "cause a buzz", "spark rumors", or "become the talk of the town" depending on the context.

Is "set tongues wagging" formal or informal?

"Set tongues wagging" is considered an informal and idiomatic expression, best suited for journalistic or casual writing rather than formal academic or professional contexts.