hornets' nest
1
6.7
- noun
- /ˈhɔrnɪts nɛst/
- Informal
:
situación problemática
- You've been stirring up quite a hornet's nest around here lately.
- stirred up a hornets' nest
Examples
-
Discussing that topic will open up a real hornets' nest of controversy in the community.
-
You've stirred up a hornet's nest now!
-
You could be opening up a whole new hornets' nest.
-
We have stirred up a hornet's nest here.
-
You're kicking a hornet's nest here, pal.
-
Wow, Derek - you really stirred up a hornet's nest.
Blog text (31) -
The president stirred up a hornets' nest earlier this week when he suggested the problems of the hungry came about because they were uninformed about where to go for help.
-
He didn't realize that his comments would stir up a hornets' nest of discontent among the staff.
-
The politician's remarks ignited a hornets' nest of debates on social media.
Synonyms
397
2.3
A serious disagreement between people or groups over ideas
294
4.5
A situation when people or groups meet in direct conflict, often angrily
105
3.2
A short conflict between people or groups
58
6.6
Serious disagreement and fighting among people
43
3.9
Tension between people or groups
34
6.5
A strong disagreement between people or groups
8
7.2
A situation that causes much trouble and angry reactions
7
4.0
Tension between people or groups that causes disagreement
6
8.3
A place or situation likely to become suddenly violent because of tensions
4
5.2
A subject that causes disagreement between people
2
9.1
A noisy public fight or argument that causes trouble
1
6.5
A rise in conflict or angry feelings between groups
1
8.9
A thing that causes an argument between people
A situation likely to suddenly become violent or start a fight
A tense unstable situation that could easily become violent
A topic that causes strong arguments and trouble
Antonyms
How Troubled
∞
3.1
- Literature
8
7.5
- Informal
1
6.7
465
4.9
∞
1.2
∞
3.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
hornets' + nest
The figurative meaning 'a situation full of trouble or controversy' maps directly onto the literal image of a nest full of hornets (dangerous, easily disturbed). This is a straightforward compositional metaphor that a B1 learner who knows 'hornet' and 'nest' can readily infer, so the expression is transparently built from its parts.
Etymology
Hornets' nest may come from the strong image of many angry hornets flying out when you disturb their nest, causing a noisy, dangerous attack. That's why the phrase now means a situation that is 'full of trouble' or that will cause a lot of anger and problems.