poke the bear
Invite dangerous retaliation
To poke the bear is to provoke or antagonize someone or something known to be dangerous, irritable, or capable of a powerful response.
The image is of foolishly prodding a sleeping or calm bear into aggression.
It often appears as advice against such action: I wouldn't bring up politics with him—don't poke the bear.
Sometimes people poke the bear deliberately to test limits or stir up conflict.
Incite a response
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
- tauntInsulting provocation
- goadIncite to action
- baitLure for prey
needle · incite · agitate · irritate · aggravate · rile · inflame · instigate
Face squarely, address directly
- challengeTest of ability
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
- defianceOpen resistance to authority
stand-off · escalate · pick a fight · square off · cross swords · lock horns · butt heads · throw down
Recklessly bold
- rashHeedless or skin irritation
- impulsiveActing without deliberation
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
careless · brash · audacious · daredevil · impetuous · thoughtless · incautious · tempting fate
Strong negative reaction
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- repercussionIndirect result of action
wrath · fury · danger · peril · risk · hazard · sleeping giant · hornet's nest
provoke
Incite a response
- antagonizeIncite hostility in
- tauntInsulting provocation
- goadIncite to action
bait · needle · incite · agitate · irritate · aggravate · rile · inflame · instigate · tease
confront
Face squarely, address directly
- challengeTest of ability
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- face-offDirect clash between opponents
defiance · stand-off · escalate · pick a fight · square off · cross swords · lock horns · butt heads · throw down · push limits
foolhardy
Recklessly bold
reckless · careless · brash · audacious · daredevil · impetuous · thoughtless · incautious · tempting fate · asking for trouble
backlash
Strong negative reaction
- retaliationPunitive response to injury
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
- reprisalPunitive action in return
repercussion · wrath · fury · danger · peril · risk · hazard · sleeping giant · hornet's nest · can of worms
poke the bearlet sleeping dogs lie
Avoid rekindling dormant issues
leave well enough alone · keep the peace · walk on eggshells · bite one's tongue · steer clear
poke the bearplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
err on the side of caution · hedge one's bets · cover one's bases
poke the bearcalm the waters
pour oil on troubled waters · de-escalate · make peace · appease · placate
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