General
don't poke the bear
What does don't poke the bear mean?
A warning not to antagonize a person likely to react badly.
"He's in a mood—don't poke the bear."
Origin
American idiom; deliberately prodding a bear invites a dangerous response.
Frequently asked questions
What does "don't poke the bear" mean?
It's a warning not to provoke or antagonize someone who's already irritable and likely to react badly.
How is it used?
To caution someone against needling a person in a bad mood, or against stirring up a dangerous situation.
Can it apply beyond people?
Yes—it's also used about situations or organizations best left undisturbed to avoid a strong backlash.
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