cause (redirected from Causes of action)

a cause célèbre

a famous event or legal case which people discuss a lot because it is so interesting or shocking. The relationship between Edward Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson became an international cause célèbre in the 1930s.

cause/create a stir

to cause a lot of interest and excitement. Emma caused quite a stir in her little black dress last night.

See also: stir

a lost cause

something or someone that has no chance of success. I tried to stop the kids dropping their clothes on the floor, but finally decided it was a lost cause.

See also: lost

make common cause with someone (formal)

if one group of people makes common cause with another group, they work together in order to achieve something that both groups want. Environment protesters have made common cause with local people to stop the motorway from being built.

See also: common

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cause a stir

to cause unusual interest or excitement. Rufus was arguing with his older daughter about her boyfriend, and it caused a stir in the family.

Usage notes: often used with quite for emphasis: Her latest novel has created quite a stir.

See also: stir

make common cause

to work together to achieve something. A number of groups have made common cause with local people to stop the highway from being built. The two countries have begun to make common cause against shared enemies.

have something in common (with someone/something)

See also: common