tinderbox

tin·der·box

noun \ˈtin-dər-ˌbäks\

Definition of TINDERBOX

1

a : a metal box for holding tinder and usually a flint and steel for striking a spark b : a highly inflammable object or place

2

: a potentially explosive place or situation

Examples of TINDERBOX

1. That old house is really a tinderbox.
2. <the city has been a tinderbox ever since racial profiling became an issue>

First Known Use of TINDERBOX

1530

Related to TINDERBOX

Synonyms: flash point, powder keg, time bomb, volcano

Related Words: hot button, third rail

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with TINDERBOX

arctic fox, ballot box, bobby socks, chatterbox, chicken pox, dealing box, ditty box, equinox, flying fox, journal box, miter box, music box, orthodox, paradox, pepperbox, pillar-box, ready box, sentry box, service box, shadowbox, shadow box, silver fox, Skinner box, stuffing box, window box, witness-box