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

Example Sentences

Another put it like this: "The PLP is like a tinderbox – it might just ignite in May."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

He noted that the conference in Davos, which assembled business and political elites, was notable by how fearful the participants were to speak out, a tinderbox.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The atmosphere simmered over the opening few holes before becoming a tinderbox on the par-five fourth green.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

But their countryside retreat is another kind of tinderbox.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 2024

A forest fire was making its way along the tinderbox ridges above them, flaring and shimmering against the overcast like the northern lights.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy