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

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

Between the overcrowding of furniture, and the archive she and Clara had in the other room, the entire theater would go up like a tinderbox if he tried.

From Literature

Economists promised this demographic cohort would deliver a dividend, but in many instances it has turned into a tinderbox as people struggle to find work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Residents are quick to point out that the pizza shop that serves as the tinderbox of the film never existed—the set was built so it could be destroyed in the filming.

From The Wall Street Journal

In these tinderbox times, there is something heartening in the daily gathering.

From The Wall Street Journal