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Hornet’s nest

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A situation that, when disturbed, provokes intense anger, controversy, or trouble.

Detailed Definition
This insect metaphor warns against stirring up fury. In poetry, it often introduces political scandals, family secrets, or social injustices that erupt when exposed. Poets use it to explore the consequences of truth-telling, the volatility of suppressed emotions, or the chaos of unintended consequences. Its buzzing menace adds auditory tension, making it effective in narrative or dramatic verse where one action unleashes a swarm of repercussions that cannot be recalled.
Example
Example in poetry:
Political scandal: “Investigation stirred hornet’s nest—resignations, leaks, public fury”; Family secret: “Asked about adoption, stirred hornet’s nest of generational lies”; Activism risk: “Protest stirred hornet’s nest—police, media, but also community solidarity”; Curiosity cost: “Poked hornet’s nest questioning boss—now isolated, but conscience clear.”
Additional Notes
This insect metaphor warns against stirring up fury. In poetry, it introduces political scandals, family secrets, or social injustices that erupt when exposed. Its buzzing menace adds auditory tension. Students should note its implication: some truths are dangerous to voice. Related phrases include “stir up a hornet’s nest” and “open a can of worms.” In whistleblower poetry, it captures risk; in family narratives, it exposes generational trauma. Avoid implying silence is better—context should weigh cost of truth versus safety.
Also Known As
Pandora’s box Can of worms
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