hornet's nest

noun

1. a large amount of activity, trouble, hostility, or animosity:

   His investigation stirred up a hornet's nest, resulting in major shifts in personnel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hornet's nest¹

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

“Do we really want to rattle the hornet’s nest?” if Trump wins, asked Regent José Hernández.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Metastasis operation is like kicking the hornet’s nest,” said Gustavo Flores-Macías, a professor of government and public policy at Cornell University who specializes in Latin America.

From New York Times

They’re still no match for a guy who can wipe out a hornet’s nest with a stun gun.

From New York Times

“It would be like kicking the hornet’s nest for the court to get into the merits of this,” Gerhardt said.

From Seattle Times

The Seahawks are heading into a hornet’s nest Sunday in Detroit.

From Seattle Times