hornets' nests
Papery insect homes
A hornets' nest is the papery, enclosed structure where hornets live and raise their young.
The phrase almost always appears figuratively: to stir up a hornets' nest is to provoke a furious, swarming response from people who feel threatened or attacked.
His comments about immigration stirred up a hornets' nest on social media.
Causing to activate
- pokingLight repeated jabbing
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- agitatingDisturbing or stirring up
- troubleDifficulty or distress
controversy · backlash · uproar · commotion · turmoil · firestorm · outcry · furor
Pressed pulp for writing
- cellsBasic biological units
- combToothed grooming implement
- layersStacked levels or coatings
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
hollow · tree · eaves · attic · underground · aerial · hanging · colony
Sharp piercing pains
- venomInjected animal poison
- swarmMass of moving insects
- attackAggressive act against another
- aggressiveHostile and confrontational
defensive · painful · anaphylaxis · allergy · threat · hazard · peril · warning
One who eradicates vermin
- pest controlManaging unwanted organisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- protective suitGarment blocking environmental dangers
nighttime · relocation · infestation · professional · safety gear · smoke · disposal · abandoned
stirring up
Causing to activate
- pokingLight repeated jabbing
- disturbingCausing mental unease
- agitatingDisturbing or stirring up
trouble · controversy · backlash · uproar · commotion · turmoil · firestorm · outcry · furor · brouhaha
paper
Pressed pulp for writing
envelope · hollow · tree · eaves · attic · underground · aerial · hanging · colony · queen
stings
Sharp piercing pains
aggressive · defensive · painful · anaphylaxis · allergy · threat · hazard · peril · warning · caution
exterminator
One who eradicates vermin
- pest controlManaging unwanted organisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
protective suit · nighttime · relocation · infestation · professional · safety gear · smoke · disposal · abandoned · empty
hornets' nestssafe havens
Protected places from harm
sanctuaries · calm waters · smooth sailing · peace and quiet · comfort zones
hornet, hornets, nest, nests, nested, nesting, nester, nesters