mare's-nest

1. a discovery imagined to be important but proving worthless

2. a disordered situation

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

mare's′-nest`

1. a discovery that proves to be a delusion or a hoax.

2. a very confused or disordered place or situation.

[1610–20]

Translations

mare’s-nest

n → Windei nt, → Reinfall m

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

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References in classic literature ?

as a matter of fact, turned out to be rather a mare's-nest. Now, come, since you are here, finish everything you have to say to me.

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"We shall work the case out independently, and leave this fellow Jones to exult over any mare's-nest which he may choose to construct.

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"Hugh, dear," she sighed, patting his hand, "you do so much better looking after your hospitals and your wounded than unearthing mare's-nests like this.