IdiomAnimals
French
FrenchDonner un coup de pied dans la fourmilière
Meaning: To strike a major blow or take bold action that stirs up considerable agitation and controversy.
Literally: To give a kick into the anthill
Example: “Le rapport de l'auditeur a donné un coup de pied dans la fourmilière.” — The auditor's report stirred up a hornet's nest.
English equivalent: To stir up a hornet's nest
Equivalents in other languages
English: stir up a hornet's nest
Origin: Kick an anthill and its thousands of inhabitants pour out in every direction. The phrase is used of a report, a reform or a new boss that stirs up a settled organization and sends everyone scrambling, often on purpose. It has no documented history and is common in journalism.
More French idioms
- Fourrer son nez dans les affaires de quelqu'un To meddle or pry indiscreetly into someone else's affairs.
- Griller les neurones To fry one's brain; to damage or wear out one's mental faculties.
- Prendre des gants To handle a delicate matter with great tact and care to avoid offending someone.
- Remettre en train To restart or reactivate something that has stopped or slowed down.
- Ça pique It is very expensive or causes financial pain.
- Vendre chèrement sa peau To defend oneself fiercely and make a determined stand against those trying to kill you.
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- Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cents cyprès. An 's' / 'si' minefield.
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- Seize chaises sèches sur seize arches sèches. A relentless collision of 'sei', 'sèch', and 's' — the tongue can't find traction.
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