the natives are restless

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English

Etymology

Originally a literal description of rebellious aboriginal inhabitants of British colonies, as in:

  • New Zealand Parliamentary Debates: Third Session of the Fourth Parliament, Vol. 2, 1868, page 387
As to the Native question, The Natives are restless, and seem desirous of fighting.

Phrase

the natives are restless

  1. (set phrase, often mildly humorous) A group of agitated people—such as a set of residents, customers, or citizens—is expressing annoyance, distress, or other discomposure.
    • 1989 October 29, Diane Ketcham, “About Long Island: Warhorses On The Campaign Trail”, in New York Times, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      This election year, the natives are restless, the senior campaigners say. Long Island voters are angry about high taxes, affordable housing and drugs.
    • 1997 December 29, David C. Churbuck, “Help! My PC won't work!”, in Forbes, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      Gateway has plenty of company in having to deal with frustrated, sometimes irate, customers. [] The natives are restless. Few vendors are spared.
    • 2010 May 20, David Von Drehle, “The Pitchfork Primaries: Will Washington Get the Message?”, in Time, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      The natives are restless. Americans of all persuasions at last agree on something. It is a message to their leaders that starts with F and ends with u.