hornets'_nest
1. [ noun ] a highly contentious or hazardous situation
Synonyms: hornet's_nest
Examples:

"talk of invading Iraq stirred up a political hornets' nest"

Related terms: situation
2. [ noun ] habitation for wasps or hornets
Synonyms: hornet's_nest wasps'_nest wasp's_nest
Related terms: nest nidus
Similar spelling:   hornet's_nest