make the dust fly
make the dust fly
1. To cause disruption, confusion, or turmoil. The CEO's resignation made the dust fly in the media about the tech giant's future. My mom will make the dust fly if she finds out we took her car without asking.
2. To do or attempt something with great energy, enthusiasm, and skill. The team's quarterback really made the dust fly on Sunday, making over 30 completed passes for four touchdowns and running for a total of 250 yards all by himself.
See also: dust, fly, make
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
make the dust fly
Also, make the feathers or fur fly . Stir matters up, cause a commotion or disturbance. For example, When she saw the dog sleeping on her new bedspread, she really made the dust fly, or As soon as he learns who dented his car, he'll make the feathers fly, or She'd better not interfere or he'll make the fur fly. The first usage alludes to the results of a vigorous house-cleaning effort. The two variants, both dating from the early 1800s, allude to what happens when a hunting dog is set on a bird or rabbit.
See also: dust, fly, make
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
make the dust fly
To go about a task with great energy and speed.
See also: dust, fly, make
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- raise a dust
- when the dust settles
- after/when the dust settles
- dust of angels
- dust out
- dust mouse
- dust off
- dust someone off
- dust up
- dust-up