Dictionary

hornets' nest en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (qualifier:literal) A nest of hornets.
2. (figuratively) An unpleasant or controversial situation likely to be exacerbated by outside involvement.
   • Those articles in the tabloids stirred up a real hornets' nest. 2007, Tom Peavler, The Adjustment:
   • Now what a-devil has set this hornet's nest of theirs abuzz so suddenly? 1902, Francis Lynde, The Master of Appleby:

Forms

Coordinates

shitstorm · rat's nest

Translations (15)

sl osir (a hornets' nest) · ru оси́ное гнездо́ (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · de Hornissennest (a hornets' nest) · fi ampiaispesä (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · de Wespennest (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · cy nyth cacwn (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · cy nyth cacwn (a hornets' nest) · it ginepraio (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · hu darázsfészek (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · es nido de avispas (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · nl wespennest (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · fi herhiläispesä (a hornets' nest) · cmn 馬蜂窩 /马蜂窝 (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · ar عش الدبابير (an unpleasant or controversial situation) · sh osinje gnijezdo (an unpleasant or controversial situation)