tinderbox

• 名词，有两个主要含义：一是指装火绒的盒子（火绒盒）；二是比喻义，指一触即发的危险局势或容易引发冲突、暴力的导火索。

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.

1. Dangerous situationC1formal

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

   一触即发的局势

   • 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.

   同义词flashpointhotbedminefieldpowder kegtime bomb

2. Container for tinderC2formal

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

   火绒盒

   • 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.