tinderbox

American  

[tin-der-boks] / ˈtɪn dərˌbɒks /

noun

1. a box for holding tinder, usually fitted with a flint and steel.

2. a person or thing that is highly excitable, explosive, inflammable, etc.; a potential source of widespread violence.

   Berlin was the tinderbox of Europe.

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tinderbox British  

/ ˈtɪndəˌbɒks /

noun

1. a box used formerly for holding tinder, esp one fitted with a flint and steel

2. a person or thing that is particularly touchy or explosive

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Etymology

Origin of tinderbox

First recorded in 1520–30; tinder + box ¹