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