World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesin ein Wespennest stechen
Pronunciation / Transliteration: ɪn aɪn ˈvɛspn̩ˌnɛst ˈʃtɛxn̩
"Mit seiner Frage hat er in ein Wespennest gestochen."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To create a lot of trouble, anger, or controversy by saying or doing something provocative.
"Bringing up the controversial policy change at the town hall meeting really stirred up a hornet's nest." - 2
To provoke a hostile reaction or active opposition from a group of people.
"The investigative report stirred up a hornet's nest among corporate executives."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The idiom derives from the literal act of disturbing a nest of hornets, which invariably provokes an aggressive, swarming attack from the insects. Recorded in English since the early 16th century, the phrase evolved metaphorically to describe actions that violently disrupt a peaceful situation and bring forth widespread anger, controversy, or a multitude of complaints.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Stir up a hornet's nest"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Stir up a hornet's nest" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
mettre le feu aux poudres
Transliteration: mɛtʁ lə fø o pudʁ
"Ses commentaires ont mis le feu aux poudres au sein de l'entreprise."
in ein Wespennest stechen
Transliteration: ɪn aɪn ˈvɛspn̩ˌnɛst ˈʃtɛxn̩
"Mit seiner Frage hat er in ein Wespennest gestochen."
sollevare un polverone
Transliteration: solleˈvare un polveˈrone
"Quella decisione ha sollevato un grande polverone tra i cittadini."
armar un revuelo
Transliteration: arˈmar un reˈβwelo
"Sus declaraciones armaron un gran revuelo en el parlamento."
mexer num vespeiro
Transliteration: meˈʃeɾ nũ veʃˈpejɾu
"Falar sobre aquele assunto é mexer num vespeiro."
बवाल खड़ा करना
Transliteration: bavāl khaṛā karnā
"उस नए कानून ने जनता के बीच एक बड़ा बवाल खड़ा कर दिया।"
捅马蜂窝
Transliteration: tǒng mǎ fēng wō
"批评公司的管理层简直就是捅马蜂窝。"
벌집을 쑤시다
Transliteration: beoljibeul ssusida
"그의 발언은 말 그대로 벌집을 쑤신 격이었다."
蜂の巣をつ突くような騒ぎ
Transliteration: hachi no su o tsutsuku yō na sawagi
"その話題を持ち出すことは、まるで蜂の巣をつつくようなものだ。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all German termsRevealing significant information, often without being intentional; striking or effective.
A person who practices the art or technique of lithography, producing printed material from a flat stone or metal plate.
Lengthwise along a ship, from the bow to the stern.
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