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hornets' nest. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
hornets' nest, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
hornets' nest in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Noun
hornets' nest (plural hornets' nests)
- (literal) A hornets' nest.
- (figurative) An unpleasant or controversial situation likely to be exacerbated by outside involvement.
- Coordinate terms: shitstorm; rat's nest
1902, Francis Lynde, The Master of Appleby:Now what a-devil has set this hornet's nest of theirs abuzz so suddenly?
2007, Tom Peavler, The Adjustment:Those articles in the tabloids stirred up a real hornets' nest.
Translations
an unpleasant or controversial situation