hornets' nest
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Noun edit
hornets' nest (plural hornets' nests)
- (literal) A hornets' nest.
- (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 edit
a hornets' nest
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an unpleasant or controversial situation
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