Quick answer: “Make a splash” means to attract a lot of attention or make a strong, impressive impression, especially when starting something new or making a public debut.
Make a splash — To attract a lot of attention or make a strong, impressive impression, especially when starting something new or making a public debut.
Origin & History
The image behind this idiom is fairly transparent: something splashing loudly into water immediately draws the eye and attention of everyone nearby.
This vivid, attention-grabbing image was extended figuratively to describe any person, product, or event that creates a strong, noticeable impression when it first appears, particularly in media, business, or entertainment.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The new phone made a splash when it was launched last month. | Product launch |
| She made a splash in the fashion world with her debut collection. | Career debut |
| The young footballer made a splash in his first professional season. | Sport, new talent |
| Their marketing campaign really made a splash on social media. | Marketing, business |
| He wanted to make a splash at the conference with his new invention. | Public presentation |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
The film made a big splashes at the festival.
The film made a big splash at the festival. — 'splash' stays singular.
She made splash with her new book.
She made a splash with her new book. — the article 'a' is required.
He made a splash into the pool.
He jumped into the pool with a splash. / He made a splash at the launch event. — this figurative idiom shouldn't describe a literal physical action.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Make a splash
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Make a splash” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “The new phone _____ when it was launched last month.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Make a splash” mean?
“Make a splash” means To attract a lot of attention or make a strong, impressive impression, especially when starting something new or making a public debut.
Where does the idiom “Make a splash” come from?
The image behind this idiom is fairly transparent: something splashing loudly into water immediately draws the eye and attention of everyone nearby.
Can you give an example of “Make a splash” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “The new phone made a splash when it was launched last month.” — used in the context of product launch.
Is “Make a splash” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “Make a splash”?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is an intermediate expression that appears frequently in spoken English, everyday conversation, and informal writing.
What are common mistakes with “Make a splash”?
A common mistake is: The film made a big splashes at the festival. The correct form is: The film made a big splash at the festival. ('splash' stays singular)
What idioms are similar to “Make a splash”?
Similar idioms include: Turn heads, Steal the show, Make waves, Set the world alight. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “Make a splash”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “Make a splash” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “Make a splash” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “Make a splash” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: To attract a lot of attention or make a strong, impressive impression, especially when starting something new or making a public debut. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.