stir up a hornets' nest

1. Make trouble, cause a commotion, as in Asking for an audit of the treasurer's books stirred up a hornets' nest in the association. This metaphoric term, likening hornets to angry humans, dates from the first half of the 1700s.

Example Sentences

In the meantime, the committee acted as if it knew it was about to make history and stir up a hornets’ nest of trouble, passing the subpoena motion unanimously in four minutes with no debate.

From Slate

Lub looked at him painfully, but he did not think it best to ask further questions lest he stir up a hornets' nest.

From Project Gutenberg

So you see, she was within her rights, in a way, and beside, I tell you I don't want to stir up a hornets' nest about it.

From Project Gutenberg

We may suspect, but if we raised a hand we should stir up a hornets' nest, as indeed Mr. Drake appears to be doing.

From Project Gutenberg