Chinese idiom · 成语
兴风作浪
Meaning
Stirring wind, making waves; causing trouble.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary imageRaising winds and waves supplies a physical picture of disruption: someone creates turbulence where others need calm. The expression is recorded in drama as well as in prose. Han Dian cites Shen Zhong Lou through Tong Su Chang Yan Shu Zheng, with a line telling someone to raise wind and waves, and also cites the Qing novel Nie Hai Hua.
In the novel's figurative usage, petty people seize on another person's small fault to stir up trouble. These are documented uses rather than proof of a single originating legend. Today the expression normally criticizes deliberate provocation or disorder; it is not an ordinary compliment for energetic initiative.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
事情本来已经说清楚了，他又在群里兴风作浪，挑起争吵。
The matter had already been cleared up, but he stirred up another argument in the group chat.
Deliberately causing trouble or provoking conflict; disapproving.