What does tinderbox mean?
A container, typically made of wood, used for holding tinder, a material that ignites easily, and is often used to start fires. A situation or place that is highly volatile or prone to sudden, intense conflict.
Example
"The old wooden chest in the attic was a tinderbox, full of dry leaves and twigs that could ignite at any moment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.