PhrasesHub

Mexican wave

    Definitions

      • a coordinated action
        Refers to a synchronized, sequential standing-up and sitting-down movement of a group of spectators, especially in a sports stadium, to create a wave-like effect

      • excitement and enthusiasm
        Describes a display of collective enthusiasm or excitement, often in response to a thrilling or dramatic event

    Examples of Mexican wave

    • The crowd at the football game started a Mexican wave, surging to their feet as one and waving their arms in unison.

      The Mexican wave is a phenomenon that starts in a crowd, when a person stands up and waves their arms, encouraging others around them to do the same. This wave continues to move through the crowd like a rollercoaster, with each person standing up as the wave passes by. The term "Mexican wave" is actually derived from its original name, "la ola mexicana", which was used in Mexico in the 1980s to describe this type of crowd participation.

    • In the conference room, the group decided to generate some new ideas by starting a Mexican wave of brainstorming.

      In this example, the term "Mexican wave" is being used metaphorically to describe a process in which each person in the group takes turns contributing ideas. Just as the wave passes through the crowd in a football stadium, ideas are passed from person to person, leading to a high-energy and productive brainstorming session.

    • The sales team used a Mexican wave strategy to increase their closing rates, first encouraging their most influential customers to make a purchase, and then leveraging the momentum to sway others.

      This example illustrates how businesses can use the Mexican wave concept to generate sales. Just as the wave starts with a key player in the crowd, the sales team identified their most influential customers and worked to close those deals. They then leveraged the momentum generated by those sales to sway others, much like the wave continues to move through a stadium.

    • The teacher used a Mexican wave technique to get the class engaged in the lesson, starting with the student who was most likely to participate and then encouraging others to join in.

      In a classroom setting, the Mexican wave concept can be used to get students engaged in a lesson. By starting with the most outspoken or engaged student, the teacher can help to create a positive energy in the classroom, which can then be leveraged to get other students to participate as well. The result is a more engaged and interactive learning experience for all.

    • "The audience at the concert created a Mexican wave, starting from the back rows and cascading towards the front."

      The phrase "Mexican wave" is used figuratively to describe a situation in which people coordinate their actions, such as standing up and sitting down, in a wave-like motion that moves through a crowd. In this example, the idiom is used to explain how the audience at the concert synchronized their movements to create a wave-like effect, as if a wave were moving through the crowd.

    • "The sales of the new product launched by the company have created a Mexican wave in the market, with competitors struggling to keep up."

      The use of "Mexican wave" here is a metaphorical expression to depict how the sales of the new product have disrupted the market and created a sudden change in the market conditions. The wave-like motion is used to explain the rapid increase in sales and the impact it has had on the competition.

    • "The news of the promotion brought about a Mexican wave of congratulations among my colleagues."

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the reaction of the speaker's colleagues to the news of their promotion. The wave-like motion is employed to suggest the cascading effect of the congratulations, where the first person to congratulate the speaker resulted in a chain reaction that spread rapidly.

    • "The unexpected success of the team's new strategy created a Mexican wave of admiration and appreciation from the management."

      The use of "Mexican wave" in this example is an idiomatic expression to depict the positive impact of the team's new strategy on the management. The wave-like motion is used to suggest the increasing level of appreciation and admiration that the management had for the team, as the success of the strategy created a ripple effect that spread through the organization.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Mexican wave" can be used to refer to a coordinated action, such as the synchronized movement of spectators in a stadium, or to describe a display of collective enthusiasm or excitement. It is commonly associated with sports events and the enthusiastic reactions of the crowd.

    Origin of "Mexican wave"

    The term "Mexican wave" originated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico. During a match between Mexico and Italy, the wave-like movement of spectators in the stadium caught the attention of the media and gained widespread recognition. The term "Mexican wave" was subsequently coined to describe this coordinated action. Since then, the idiom has become synonymous with large gatherings, particularly in sports stadiums, where spectators engage in the synchronized standing and sitting movement to demonstrate their excitement and support for the event. The idiom has since transcended its original context and is now widely used in various settings to depict a collective and synchronized action or display of enthusiasm.