hornet's nest

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of hornet's nest

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

“She’s walking into a hornet’s nest, both with what’s taking place in Afghanistan, but also the challenge of China that looms particularly large in Vietnam,” said Brett Bruin, who served as global engagement director during the Obama administration and was a longtime diplomat.

From Seattle Times

But the biggest ceremonies that honor acting, aware that change would kick a cultural hornet’s nest, have adhered to tradition.

From New York Times

In December, WarnerMedia kicked a hornet’s nest by abruptly announcing that more than a dozen Warner Bros. movies — the studio’s entire 2021 slate — would each arrive in theaters and on HBO Max.

From New York Times

"There's so much misinformation and propaganda spreading that people are reticent to go there, to further poke the hornet's nest," he said.

From Salon

Mr Selby said using taxpayers' money to fund something which had not been endorsed was "stirring up a hornet's nest".

From BBC

Related Words

• commotion
• difficulty
• hazard
• trouble