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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinderbox¹

First recorded in 1520–30; tinder + box ¹

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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

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

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