The idiom “wasp’s nest” refers to the consequences of creating controversy or changing the status quo. It can describe any situation with significant opposition, often from multiple directions. The metaphor is based on the danger of disturbing a nest and the harmlessness of leaving it alone. Opposition is usually multifaceted, and the idiom can apply to situations on a smaller scale, such as family disputes.
When people use the term “wasp’s nest” as an idiom, they are generally referring to the consequences of creating controversy or changing the status quo. In typical circumstances, someone might warn someone against broaching a controversial topic by saying it could create a hornet’s nest. It can also technically be used to describe any situation with significant opposition, and is especially applicable when opposition to something is likely to come from multiple simultaneous directions.
The term “bumblebee” is actually a general term for wasp, although it can also describe some specific types of wasps. These are generally large biting insects that often live in huge nests. They have been known to sometimes have prickly dispositions and if someone gets close to their nests, there is a big chance of causing a commotion of the insects inside, potentially leading to a whole swarm of bees chasing and stinging someone. The metaphor of the idiom is based on the danger of the nest if it is disturbed and on its relative harmlessness if left alone. Usually, a real hornet’s nest in the idiom will be something best left alone due to the potential consequences.
Often, the reason something is described as a wasp’s nest is because of controversy. Political journalists might often use the term to describe topics politicians need to avoid if they are to win a political contest. These are often topics where there really isn’t an obvious way to talk about it without pissing someone off. In many cases, an actual hornet’s nest might be some kind of old tradition or custom that needs to change, but can’t be addressed due to resistance, so it might be avoided until time passes and opinions change.
One aspect of a hornet’s nest in terms of idiom is that opposition is usually multifaceted. If someone creates a wasp nest in real life, they will usually deal with a whole swarm of insects and the idiom works the same way. Mixing a notional hornet’s nest will generally result in causing a lot of opposition from a large number of people, potentially leading to a losing situation.
Most of the examples mentioned above have had to do with politicians, journalists, and people dealing with the public, but the hornet’s nest metaphor can work on a smaller scale as well. For example, saying something that causes a major family dispute at home could also be described with the hornet’s nest idiom. Size and scale are not as important to idiom as the circumstance of being swarmed with opposition.
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