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tinderbox

[tin-der-boks]

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.



tinderbox

/ 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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tinderbox1

First recorded in 1520–30; tinder + box 1
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC

Prosecutor Ben Holt previously told the court Mr Jones used "inflammatory, rabble-rousing language in the throng of a crowd described as a tinderbox".

From BBC

H said from his recollection nobody from the far-right group showed up, but there was a "tinderbox" atmosphere.

From BBC

Oliver Fry of Surrey Wildlife Trust says conditions are incredibly dry on the heathlands of Surrey, which creates "tinderbox conditions".

From BBC

An early masterpiece, “Blood Knot” established a paradigm for Fugard, whose plays are distinguished by their small casts, static locations and tinderbox emotions.

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