How to Pronounce "stir up a hornet's nest"
expression
STUR-uhp-uh HOR-nuts NEST
ster-UP-uh HAW-nits NEST
Definition
To do or say something that causes a lot of anger, trouble, or strong reactions from others.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈstɝ/ /ˈəp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɔɹnəts/ /ˈnɛst
British English
stˈɜː/ /ˈʌp/ /æɪ/ /ˈhɔːnɪts/ /nˈɛst
Simplified Pronunciation
US
STUR-uhp-uh HOR-nuts NEST
UK
ster-UP-uh HAW-nits NEST
Listen in Context
Be careful what you say—you might stir up a hornet's nest.
He stirred up a hornet's nest by complaining about the new rules at work.
If you bring up that topic, you'll stir up a hornet's nest.
Posting that comment online really stirred up a hornet's nest.