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.

• 🇩🇪Substantiv mit zwei Bedeutungen: entweder ein Behälter für Zunder (Feuerzeug zum Feuermachen) oder im übertragenen Sinn eine explosive, gefährliche Situation, die ein potenzieller Auslöser für Konflikt oder Gewalt ist.

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.

   🇩🇪Explosive Situation

   Synonyme: 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.

   🇩🇪Zunderbüchse

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