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.
(..) Give us a smiIe! How did they find me here? What? How did they find me here?! PHO TOGRAPHER/ Hey, wave, everybody! You're on TV! Wait, Princess, don't be shy! Come back! BRlAN/ Hey, chopper boy, look over here! (..)2001 The Princess Diaries
(..) Good-bye! Good-bye. You were awesome! You are the cooIest queen ever! AII in a day's work. Wave good-bye! That's a queen! WouId you Iike to sIide in first? I never sIide. Good-bye. (..)2001 The Princess Diaries