hornet's nest
Stinging insect colony
A hornet's nest is literally the papery enclosed nest built by hornets, but the phrase is used almost exclusively in its figurative sense: a situation fraught with trouble, controversy, or angry opposition.
To stir up a hornet's nest is to provoke a hostile reaction from many people at once.
His comments about immigration stirred up a hornet's nest on social media.
The image captures both the danger of disturbing something and the swarming, stinging response that follows.
Indication of potential harm
- perilSerious threat of harm
- hazardSource of potential harm
- riskPossibility of harm
- menaceSource of potential harm
sting · venom · alarm · caution · jeopardy · trap · ambush · predicament
threat
Indication of potential harm
menace · sting · venom · alarm · caution · jeopardy · trap · ambush · predicament · treachery
hive
Bee dwelling structure
- colonyDependent territorial settlement
- broodHatchlings as a group
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
pupae · queen · workers · drones · comb · stinger · buzzing · swarming · wasp · yellowjacket
backlash
Strong negative reaction
clamor · dispute · turmoil · commotion · ruckus · brouhaha · kerfuffle · firestorm · scandal · provoke
- chaos idiomsall hell breaks loose, pandemonium, madhouse, circus, bedlam
- predicamentspredicament, dilemma, bind, pickle, pinch
hornet's nestsafe haven
Protected place of shelter
sanctuary · smooth sailing · bed of roses · walk in the park · peace and quiet
hornet's nestpiece of cake
Idiomatic easy task
cakewalk · slam dunk · walk in the park · clean slate · clear path