E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hornet’s Nest.
To poke your head into a hornet’s nest. To bring a hornet’s nest about your ears. To get into trouble by meddling and making. The bear is very fond of honey, and often gets stung by poking its snout by mistake into a hornet’s nest in search of its favourite dainty.
