Question

The appropriate meaning of stir up a hornet's nest would be _____ .

• A. to mix the good and the bad
• B. to destroy homes and settlements
• C. to create trouble
• D. to quicken an action

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To understand the correct answer to the phrase "stir up a hornet's nest," we should begin by examining the meaning of the idiom. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone creates significant trouble or provokes a strong reaction, much like disturbing a real hornet's nest would do.

1. The phrase "stir up a hornet's nest" originates from the imagery of literally disturbing a hornet's nest. Hornets are known to be aggressive and defensive when their nest is disturbed, leading to chaos and trouble.
2. Now, let's examine the options provided:
   • Option A: "to mix the good and the bad" - This does not align with the intense negative connotation and the element of provocation in the idiom.
   • Option B: "to destroy homes and settlements" - While destroying homes and settlements can cause trouble, this option is too specific and literal and doesn't capture the essence of causing trouble in a general sense.
   • Option C: "to create trouble" - This directly matches the idiom's meaning as it refers to causing chaos and disturbance.
   • Option D: "to quicken an action" - This option relates to speed and urgency, which is not relevant to the idiom's meaning of causing trouble or disturbance.
3. The correct choice is therefore Option C: "to create trouble," as it is consistent with the idiom's meaning of provoking a problematic situation.

Therefore, the correct answer is: to create trouble.