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Definition 2024


hornets'_nest

hornets' nest

English

Noun

hornets' nest (plural hornets' nests)

  1. (figuratively) 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

See also

  • stir up a hornet's nest