all men are created equal

A phrase from the US Declaration of Independence that asserts the equality of all people and their shared right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. The Declaration of Independence might say that all men are created equal, but all men certainly don't receive equal treatment in society. "All men are created equal" is one of the founding tenets of the United States.

create a hostage to fortune

To do or say something that could jeopardize future success or cause misfortune later on. With the economy at such a precarious level at the moment, the president made it clear that he would take no action that would create a hostage to fortune. A company that publicly supports an unpopular political stance often creates a hostage to fortune. Don't make any promises on the campaign trail that could create a hostage to fortune for you down the line.

create a monster

1. To construct, implement, or instigate something that goes on to become much more onerous or unwieldy than one desires or can manage. We never expected our promotion to attract so many customers. We ended up creating something of a monster, because now we're struggling 24/7 just to meet the demand. In trying to create legislation that gives consumers more rights, the government created a monster that has caused serious problems to the economy. It has been totally chaotic for us in the call center. You guys created a monster by launching this product without having a support team in place first.

2. To instruct, encourage, or instigate someone to act or behave in a certain way, only for them to do so to an excessive, often unwanted, degree. I taught my mom how to use the Internet so she could sell an antique lamp on eBay. Now she spends tons of time on there buying and selling all sorts of stuff. I think I've created a monster! We trained Mike to be the manager because we thought he'd keep the status quo. Instead, we created a monster with a major superiority complex. We like to keep things fairly lax between classes, but based on the students' yelling, singing, and running, it's possible we've created a monster.

create a paper trail

To create and leave behind physical or digital documentation of one's activities. The con artist wrote fraudulent checks all over the state, creating a paper trail for police to follow. Frank swore that he wasn't using the company's computer for illegal activities, but he created a digital paper trail that proved otherwise. Of course they want you to pay in cash—they don't want to create a paper trail!

create a scene

To create a loud, typically angry disturbance or display in public, such that it draws attention to those involved. Robert created a scene in the store when they refused to refund him for the broken television. My parents always create a scene with their fighting wherever we go. I gingerly stepped over a screaming child who was causing a scene in the toy department.

create a splash

To be very successful and garner a lot of public attention. The low-budget indie movie is creating a big splash with audiences worldwide. The video game franchise was canceled after its latest entry failed to create a splash. That new restaurant sure has created a splash—reservations are impossible to get!

create a stink

To be very vocal in one's displeasure about something; to make a scene. My mom created a stink when the store refused to accept her return without a receipt. At most big box stores, if you create a stink about a product that didn't meet your expectations, you'll almost definitely get a refund. Sir, we have politely asked you to leave—please don't create a stink.

create an uproar

To create a noisy or chaotic situation; to make a scene. The judge had to bang her gavel to quiet the gallery after a spectator created an uproar by yelling obscenities. Robert created an uproar in the store when they refused to refund him for the broken television. Sir, we have politely asked you to leave—please don't create an uproar.

make a scene

To create a loud, typically angry disturbance or display in public, such that it draws attention to those involved. Robert made a scene in the store when they refused to refund him for the broken television. My parents always make a scene with their fighting wherever we go.

create a stink (about something)

and make a stink (about something); raise a stink (about something)

Fig. to make a major issue out of something; to make much over something; to make a lot of complaints and criticisms about something. Tom created a stink about Bob's remarks. Why did he make a stink about that? Tom is always trying to raise a stink.

create an uproar

and make an uproar

to cause an outburst or sensation. The dog got into church and made an uproar. Her poodle created an uproar in the restaurant.

make a scene

and create a scene

Fig. to make a public display or disturbance. When John found a fly in his drink, he started to create a scene. Oh, John, please don't make a scene. Just forget about it.

make a scene

Also, create a scene; make an uproar. Make a public disturbance or excited emotional display. For example, Joan made a scene when the restaurant lost her dinner reservation, or Ted made an uproar over losing his luggage. Make a scene was first recorded in 1831; the variant employs uproar in the sense of "a noisy commotion," a usage first recorded in 1548.

create/make a ˈscene

complain noisily, behave badly, etc. especially in a public place: Please don’t create a scene in public.

kick up/make/create/raise a ˈstink (about something)

(informal) show that you are angry about a situation, often by protesting in public: He kicked up a stink about the noise from the new nightclub, writing to all the papers and complaining to the council.

See also: create, kick, make, raise, stink, up

cause/create a ˈstir

make a number of people feel interest, excitement or shock: His sudden resignation caused quite a stir.