hornets' nest

English

Alternative forms

Noun

hornets' nest (plural hornets' nests)

  1. (literal) A hornets' nest.
  2. (figurative) An unpleasant or controversial situation likely to be exacerbated by outside involvement.
    • 1902, Francis Lynde, The Master of Appleby:
      Now what a-devil has set this hornet's nest of theirs abuzz so suddenly?
    • 2007, Tom Peavler, The Adjustment:
      Those articles in the tabloids stirred up a real hornets' nest.

Translations
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