make a great clamor; cause a sensation; run rampant
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesidiom
(of troops) to make a great clamor and raise a dust; describing the busy preparations for battle
literaryFrom the Zuo Zhuan (Duke Cheng, 16th year), describing the Jin army before battle. This is the original, literal meaning.
The enemy troops were making a great clamor and raising dust, clearly mobilizing forces to prepare for attack.
The Chu army climbed high to look into the distance and saw the Jin army in great clamor and dust.
idiom
to cause a public sensation; (of rumors or news) to be widely discussed
neutralExtended meaning: used to describe widespread public discussion of rumors, news, or sensational events.
Once this news was leaked, it immediately caused a great clamor and created a sensation throughout the city.
Rumors about the celebrity's divorce are flying everywhere online.
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This rumor was once rampant, causing many people to believe it was true.
idiom
(of speech, opinion, or theory) to be rampant; to run wild
derogatoryModern usage, often with a pejorative connotation, describing the rampant spread of certain (usually erroneous or harmful) opinions, theories, or rhetoric.
This kind of historical nihilist rhetoric is running rampant online and must be refuted.
Wrong views were once rampant, but the truth will eventually come to light.
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Those remarks opposing reform were running rampant at that time.