tinderbox
nounUK /ˈtɪndəbɒks/
US /ˈtɪndərbɑːks/
A small box used to keep dry material for starting a fire.
The camper opened his tinderbox to start a fire before nightfall.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A place or situation that is likely to become dangerous or violent very suddenly.
The crowded protest was a tinderbox waiting to explode.
3. A person who becomes angry very easily.
Her temper made her a tinderbox in tense meetings.
4. A box for holding tinder, historically used with flint and steel.
The museum displayed a brass tinderbox from the 1700s.