hornet's nest

NOUN

trouble; hazard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commotion difficulty hazard trouble

STRONG

difficult situation unpleasant situation

WEAK

botheration can of worms complication dilemma headache hitch hot water issue mess obstacle pickle point at issue predicament quandary scrape

hornets' nest

NOUN

problem

Synonyms

WEAK

botheration box can of worms complication count crunch dilemma disagreement dispute disputed point doubt headache hitch hot water issue mess obstacle pickle point at issue predicament quandary question scrape squeeze tr

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Curiously, I never really got angry at the North Koreans, on the assumption that if you kick the hornet’s nest and get stung, you can’t really blame the hornets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

“It would be like kicking the hornet’s nest for the court to get into the merits of this,” Gerhardt said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2023

Zegler's comments about the original Snow White and the direction of the new version have stirred up the hornet's nest.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2023

Scott Adams sat for his regular YouTube show last month with a plan to stir a hornet’s nest.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2023

“Accuse you?” gasped Ranofer, aghast at the hornet’s nest he had stirred up.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

hornet's nest

Example Sentences

Related Words