to spark a firestorm
1
7.0
- phrasal verb
:
desencadenar una tormenta de críticas
- Any need for an infusion of fresh cash would almost certainly spark a political firestorm, as Republicans want to scale back the FHA's involvement in the market.
- sparked a firestorm of controversy
- sparked a firestorm of criticism
Examples
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The video of Mr. Romney sparked a massive firestorm after it was published by the liberal magazine Mother Jones. Mr. Rubio said he wasn't bothered by the portion of the clip where the Republican presidential candidate said he would have a better chance of winning the election if he were Latino.
Blog text (21) -
At the same time, the film sparked an unprecedented firestorm that ultimately led to the resignation of long-time ICAIC director Alfredo Guevara from his post.
Academic text (2017) -
Phelps's article sparked a firestorm of controversy.
Academic text (2018) -
That revelation sparked a firestorm of controversy and handed these valuable insights to other travel services.
Blog text (12) -
Any need for an infusion of fresh cash would almost certainly spark a political firestorm, as Republicans want to scale back the FHA's involvement in the market.
Blog text (19) -
At the same time, the film sparked an unprecedented firestorm that ultimately led to the resignation of long-time ICAIC director Alfredo Guevara from his post.
Academic text (2017) -
The video of Mr. Romney sparked a massive firestorm after it was published by the liberal magazine Mother Jones. Mr. Rubio said he wasn't bothered by the portion of the clip where the Republican presidential candidate said he would have a better chance of winning the election if he were Latino.
Blog text (21) -
Crown Heights -- Members of the Crown Heights Jewish community say they're taking to the streets Friday to demand justice for Ehud Halevy, the young man whose videotaped beating at the hands of police sparked a firestorm of controversy across Brooklyn after it went viral earlier this week.
Blog text (25) -
The article sparked a firestorm of debate among readers who disagreed with its claims.
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His comments during the interview sparked a firestorm of criticism on social media.
Synonyms
48
4.8
To make people feel strong emotions like anger or fear
12
4.9
To get attention or cause trouble by changing the usual way things are done
8
8.0
To cause trouble by saying things to make people argue
6
4.0
Make people feel excited or upset and attract attention
5
5.3
To cause fights or problems between people on purpose
4
5.8
Make many people very angry
4
6.7
To attract criticism and angry reactions for what you say or do
2
3.7
To make people start talking and disagree about a topic
1
3.7
To cause people to start a strong, lively discussion
1
7.7
To make many people feel angry or shocked about something
1
9.9
To say or do things to make others angry and start fights
1
5.4
Cause strong arguments about a topic, often on public issues
To cause a lot of excitement and strong reactions
To make food quickly or to cause strong excitement
To cause a lot of trouble and anger among people
To say or do things that cause arguments and make people angry
To cause trouble between people to get attention
Antonyms
How Intense
Surface Forms
Morphology
The verb 'spark' (to trigger) combined with 'firestorm' (an intense outbreak of public anger/criticism) yields a directly compositional meaning: to cause a large, intense reaction. Although 'firestorm' is metaphorical, the image and causative pattern are transparent and predictable for learners who know both constituent words.
Etymology
The expression spark a firestorm comes from the image of a tiny spark falling on dry grass and starting a huge firestorm that spreads fast. That's why it means to cause a sudden, intense 'wave' of public anger or criticism.