STIR UP A HORNETS' NEST Definition & Meaning

stir up a hornets' nest

Make trouble, cause a commotion, as in Asking for an audit of the treasurer's books stirred up a hornets' nest in the association. This metaphoric term, likening hornets to angry humans, dates from the first half of the 1700s.

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In the meantime, the committee acted as if it knew it was about to make history and stir up a hornets’ nest of trouble, passing the subpoena motion unanimously in four minutes with no debate.

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Lub looked at him painfully, but he did not think it best to ask further questions lest he stir up a hornets' nest.

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So you see, she was within her rights, in a way, and beside, I tell you I don't want to stir up a hornets' nest about it.

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We may suspect, but if we raised a hand we should stir up a hornets' nest, as indeed Mr. Drake appears to be doing.

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stir up stishie

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stir up a hornets' nest

Example Sentences