At the age of 80, she's 'riding a/the wave of' renewed interest in her work. [=she's experiencing a time when many people are interested in her work again]
The traffic cop 'waved' cars 'through'. [=waved in a way that told drivers to continue driving through a particular area]
The new school has triggered a 'wave' of optimism [=has made many people feel optimistic] about the public school system.
(..) Well, l may have to start minding what she reads, Mrs Brown. Freud... who is he ? ls he a passenger ? ..turns the propeller,... ..makes these waves,... ..makes them spin. (Fabrizio) The ship is nice, uh ? - Yeah, it's an lrish ship. - ls English, no ? No, it was built in lreland. (..)1997 Titanic