Hornet's Nest (Noun)
Meaning 1
A highly contentious or hazardous situation; "talk of invading Iraq stirred up a political hornets' nest".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Her investigation into police corruption stirred up a hornet's nest of criticism and opposition.
- The proposed changes to the healthcare system are going to stir up a hornet's nest of protests and controversy.
- Raising the issue of income inequality is bound to stir up a hornet's nest of disagreement and argument.
- Trying to downsize the company by cutting thousands of jobs will certainly stir up a hornet's nest of employee outrage and lawsuits.
- Talking about a constitutional amendment to redefine marriage will inevitably stir up a hornet's nest of opposing viewpoints and emotions.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Habitation for wasps or hornets.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The family was unaware of the hornet's nest hanging from the eaves of their porch until a child accidentally disturbed it with a ball.
- A hornet's nest can grow rapidly, containing thousands of wasps in a matter of days.
- The exterminator carefully approached the hornet's nest hidden in the attic, wearing protective gear to prevent stings.
- When the homeowner noticed a single hornet buzzing around the doorframe, she eventually discovered the hornet's nest in the adjacent wall.
- The park ranger advised hikers to steer clear of the large hornet's nest hanging precariously from a tree branch over the trail.