tinderbox

A noun with two distinct meanings: it can refer to a box used for holding tinder, or metaphorically to a volatile or dangerous situation that is a potential source of conflict or violence.

• 🌐اسم له معنيان رئيسيان: يُطلق على صندوق يُحفظ فيه القَبَس أو المادة القابلة للاشتعال لإشعال النار، ويُستعمل مجازًا للدلالة على وضع أو موقف شديد الخطورة قد يكون مصدرًا للصراع أو العنف.

1. Dangerous situation C1 formal

   A volatile or explosive state of affairs that could easily lead to conflict or violence.

   • The political tension in the region is a tinderbox waiting to ignite.
   • The city's economic inequality created a social tinderbox.
   • The border dispute turned the area into a tinderbox.

   🌐وضع قابل للانفجار

   المرادفات: flashpointhotbedminefieldpowder kegtime bomb

2. Container for tinder C2 formal

   A small box or container used to hold tinder, a material used to start fires.

   • He carried a tinderbox in his backpack for camping.
   • The antique tinderbox was made of brass and leather.
   • She used the tinderbox to keep the dry moss safe for starting fires.

   🌐علبة الحِراقة

• tinderboxes plural form
• tinderboxes' possessive plural form
• tinderbox's possessive singular form