leave (something) in (one's)/its wake
leave (something) in (one's)/its wake
To create or produce a lingering effect (usually a negative one) as a result of one's or something's actions or behavior. The tornado left a trail of destruction in its wake. The outspoken writer has embarked on a nationwide tour, and she has been leaving controversy in her wake so far.
See also: leave, wake
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
leave something in its/his/her wake
COMMON If an event or a person leaves an unpleasant situation in their wake, they cause it to exist after the event or person has happened or gone. Note: The wake of a ship is the line of white foaming water behind it. A deadly cloud of gas swept along the valleys, leaving a trail of death and devastation in its wake. The rioting died away over the next few days, leaving in its wake three dead and many more injured. Mr Stevens has disappeared, leaving in his wake debts of over £2 million.
See also: leave, something, wake
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- be replaced by (someone or something)
- be replaced with (someone or something)
- replace
- trace
- disappear without (a) trace
- vanish without (a) trace
- another nail in the coffin
- on present form
- another nail in (one's) coffin
- coffin