hornets' nest
The term "hornets' nest" metaphorically represents a situation that is highly contentious or filled with potential conflict, similar to the aggressive reaction one would provoke by disturbing a real hornets' nest.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(figurative, idiomatic)A situation likely to provoke strong reactions or conflict.
Example
- His comments about the policy stirred up a hornets' nest at the meeting.
B2General
(figurative, idiomatic)A place or scenario filled with danger, trouble, or controversy.
Example
- The new regulations created a hornets' nest among the business owners.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hornets' nest":
rat's nestbird's nesttrap nestyellow jacketsnake pitmare's nest