poking the bear
Antagonizing dangerous forces
Poking the bear is deliberately provoking someone or something dangerous or easily angered, risking a disproportionate response.
The image is of foolishly prodding a bear that might maul you: I wouldn't bring up politics with him—you're just poking the bear.
Often used as a warning against needless provocation.
- incitingUrging others to act
- provokingCausing a reaction
- stirring upCausing to activate
- pushing buttonsIntentionally causing irritation
- Pandora's boxSource of cascading troubles
sleeping giant · powder keg · lighting the fuse · escalation · hornet's nest · rile · brinkmanship · crossing the line · needle · antagonize · anger · irritate · instigate · asking for trouble · confrontation · retaliation · agitate · risk-taking
poking the bearletting sleeping dogs lie
Avoiding unnecessary conflict
keeping a low profile · keeping one's head down · biting one's tongue · walking on eggshells · keeping the peace
poking the bearpouring oil on troubled waters
Calming a dispute
making peace · de-escalating · appeasing · mollifying · placating
poking the bearplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · hedging one's bets · discretion · restraint · self-control
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