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.
(..) And your muscles lock, everything. And you wouldn't be surprised, you would not be surprised if you saw your shoes come out of your mouth. You'd say ''Yes!'' Now that wave has stopped, you... (moans) You put your head on the side of the bowl and you thank the toilet bowl. ''Thank you, toilet bowl. (..)1983 Bill Cosby: Himself