raise Cain

Definition

Synonym of raise hell.

Etymology

From Cain, the biblical son of Adam and Eve, the first murderer. The expression implies raising him from the dead and thus bringing or returning that evil to Earth.

Example Sentences

• "Those damned boys have been out drinking and raising Cain again tonight."
• "Why have we every reason to believe that Adam and Eve were both rowdies? Because Eve raised the Old Harry, and they both raised Cain."
• ""I seen old Flint in the corner there, behind you; as plain as print, I seen him; and if I get the horrors, I'm a man that has lived rough, and I'll raise Cain.""