be common currency

To be widely accepted or prevalent in use. The economic approach is now common currency, as it is being used by the majority of developed countries. Back before scientists knew about germs, it was common currency that poisonous air caused illnesses. It is a term that has been common currency in the wake of the disaster, spreading on social media like wildfire.

become common currency

To become widely accepted or prevalent in use. The economic approach has become common currency over the years and is now being used by the majority of developed countries. The conspiracy theory has become common currency in recent months, even being touted by major media pundits. It is a term that became common currency in the wake of the disaster, spreading on social media like wildfire.

common currency

1. Literally, a form of money that is used in multiple countries. Euros are a common currency, so you can use them both when you're in Ireland and afterward when you go to Italy. I only have dollars, so I'm afraid to ask what the common currency is here. Is the dinar still the common currency in the Middle East?

2. By extension, something that is prevalent in use or acceptance. The economic approach is now common currency as it is being used by the majority of developed countries. Back before germ theory became common currency, it was widely believed that poisonous air caused illnesses. It is a term that became common currency in the wake of the disaster, spreading on social media like wildfire.

gain wide currency

To become widely accepted or prevalent in use. The economic approach has gained wide currency over the years, now being used by the majority of developed countries. The conspiracy theory has been gaining wide currency in recent months, even being touted by major media pundits. It is a term that has gained wide currency in the wake of the disaster, spreading on social media like wildfire.

give currency (to something)

To make something seem more credible or probable, perhaps by providing additional information or details. You're famous in this field—if you comment this guy's wacky notions, you'll just be giving currency to them. Ultimately, we need an expert to give currency to our findings. He splashed mud all over his car and clothes to give currency to his story about being in the mountains all weekend.

wide currency

Prevalence in use or acceptance. The unique economic approach has begun enjoying wide currency in recent years, being adopted by the majority of countries in the European Union. The conspiracy theory has gained wide currency in recent months, even being touted by major media pundits. It is a term that has wide currency on social media, though those who don't spend time online are likely to be unfamiliar with it.

give currency (to something)

to spread a story around. (With a negative if there is doubt about what is said.) I can't give any currency to anything Ralph Jones says. We give no currency to those stories. His actions gave currency to the rumor that he was about to leave.