Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom: Check Meaning, Synonyms & More

What will you call a situation that causes a nationwide stir or a controversy around a situation? Well, the best idiom or phrase for this situation would be ‘stir up a hornet’s nest’ to make your English grammar look good. Some of the synonyms for this idiom are ‘to create a fuss’, ‘raise hell’, kick up a storm’ among others. Keep reading this blog post to learn more about this idiom, its origin, usage and examples that can be used in your writing. 

Must Read: Most Commonly Used Idioms in English

Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom: Meaning, Origin & Examples

After going through the above information, the phrase ‘stir up a hornet’s nest’ refers to a situation that causes a lot of anger or controversy. Going by the literal sense, it’s like disturbing a hive of angry hornets, resulting in a chaotic and difficult situation.

Look at these sentences of how this idiom can be utilised:

• Bringing up the office budget cuts at the staff meeting really stirred up a hornet’s nest.
• The politician’s controversial statement about immigration stirred up a hornet’s nest of criticism and protest.

The idiom ‘stir up a hornet’s nest’ originates from the early 1700s. It’s a vivid metaphor that compares the angry reaction of a group of people to the aggressive behaviour of hornets when their nest is disturbed.

Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom Example Sentences

For a better understanding, we have compiled a few short sentences on the ‘stir up a hornet’s nest’ idiom which will help you create similar ones. 

• Criticising the popular reality show star was like stirring up a hornet’s nest; fans were furious.
• His outspoken comments about the controversial topic were sure to provoke outrage.
• The politician’s speech incited a riot among the crowd.
• Bringing up the old argument would open a can of worms and cause unnecessary drama.
• Bringing up the budget cuts at the meeting created a ruckus among the employees.

Also Read: Hush Money Idiom: Meaning, Synonyms & Examples

7+ Synonyms for Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom

After understanding the meaning of this idiom, if you are looking for similar phrases that can be used in place of this, we have put together a small list for you. By using these words, you will be able to enhance it. 

Open a can of worms	Raise a storm
Create a ruckus	Start a firestorm

If you are looking for some more synonyms for Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest idiom which will help you frame even more clear sentences.

Also Read: To Blaze a Trail Idiom: Check Meaning, Synonyms, Examples

Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom Quiz

Now that you have equipped yourselves with all the information, it is time to check your understanding with the help of this quiz that we have prepared for you. 

Question 1

What does the idiom “stir up a hornet’s nest” mean?

A. To create a peaceful environment

B. To cause a lot of trouble or anger

C. To find a hidden treasure

Question 2

Which of the following is a synonym for “stir up a hornet’s nest”?

A. Create a peaceful atmosphere

B. Open a can of worms

C. Find a needle in a haystack

Question 3

Choose the best sentence to use the idiom: “stir up a hornet’s nest”.

A. She baked a delicious cake for her friends.

B. The politician’s controversial remarks stirred up a hornet’s nest.

C. The children were playing quietly in the park.

Question 4

True or False: “Stirring up a hornet’s nest” is generally a positive action.

A. True

B. False

Question 5

Which situation best represents “stirring up a hornet’s nest”?

A. A group of friends having a friendly debate.

B. A peaceful protest.

C. A company announcing unexpected layoffs.

Answers

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. C

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