hornet's nest
US /ˈhɔːr.nɪts ˌnest/
UK /ˈhɔːr.nɪts ˌnest/
1.
a nest of hornets
:
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Be careful not to disturb the hornet's nest in the attic.
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The children found a large hornet's nest hanging from the tree branch.
2.
a difficult or unpleasant situation that is likely to cause a lot of trouble or anger if it is disturbed
:
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Bringing up that topic in the meeting was like stirring up a hornet's nest.
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The new policy proposal has stirred up a real hornet's nest among the employees.