1.
to cause controversy, to stir up debate
To provoke public discussion or debate, often over something controversial or divisive.
その発言は物議を醸した。
That statement caused controversy.
政治家の行動が物議を醸している。
The politician's actions are stirring up debate.
あの映画は公開前から物議を醸し、賛否両論を呼んだ。
That movie stirred up controversy even before its release and received mixed reactions.
物議を醸す is a set expression meaning to provoke public debate.
COMPONENTS:
- 物議: public discussion, controversy
- 醸す: to brew, to cause (figuratively)
ALTERNATIVE EXPRESSIONS:
- 論争を引き起こす: to cause a dispute
- 議論を呼ぶ: to invite discussion
- 波紋を広げる: to create ripples (figurative)
REGISTER:
This expression is commonly used in news and formal writing.