cause celebre
1 of 1phrase/kɔz səˈlɛb/
1
a controversial legal case, issue, or event that attracts widespread public attention and debate
- The trial became a cause célèbre, sparking protests nationwide.
- The environmental disaster turned into a cause celebre for activists.
- That book was a cause célèbre in literary circles for its bold themes.
- The politician's scandal quickly became a cause celebre in the media.
- The campaign against animal testing became a global cause célèbre.