hornet's nest

US /ˈhɔːr.nɪts ˌnest/
UK /ˈhɔːr.nɪts ˌnest/
"hornet's nest" picture
1.

nid de frelons, nid de guêpes

a nest of hornets

:
Be careful not to disturb the hornet's nest in the attic.
Fais attention de ne pas déranger le nid de frelons dans le grenier.
The children found a large hornet's nest hanging from the tree branch.
Les enfants ont trouvé un grand nid de frelons suspendu à la branche de l'arbre.
2.

nid de frelons, situation délicate

a difficult or unpleasant situation that is likely to cause a lot of trouble or anger if it is disturbed

:
Bringing up that topic in the meeting was like stirring up a hornet's nest.
Aborder ce sujet en réunion, c'était comme remuer un nid de frelons.
The new policy proposal has stirred up a real hornet's nest among the employees.
La nouvelle proposition de politique a remué un véritable nid de frelons parmi les employés.