sleeping giant

[ slee-ping jahy-uhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

someone or something whose strength has not been fully demonstrated or recognized but that, once provoked, will respond with unexpected force and extraordinary power:
The Japanese admiral, anticipating the U.S. reaction to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, allegedly said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant.”
Ecology. an environmental condition or circumstance that has the potential for drastic consequences to one or more of the earth’s life systems:
The rapidly melting glaciers of eastern Antarctica represent some of our planet’s most dramatic sleeping giants.

First recorded in 1915–20

“You have awakened a sleeping giant,” one of the fliers reads.

The Sleeping Giant, the long-promised future of Latino voters, has woken up.

Then, moving on to how the ruling affects conservatives, Kelly reminded viewers “the Supreme Court just woke up a sleeping giant.”

You have aroused the sleeping giant known as the working people of the United States of America.

Halloway still breathed heavily on—a sleeping giant whose ears were very much awake.

But as he passed the sleeping giant a spark from the brand lighted on Rikal Gouree's hand.

Chimo stole a look at the sleeping giant and then snatched up a firebrand and ran for the door.

Who could tell the mystery of that black pit which seemed to breathe like the mouth of a sleeping giant?

The loud laugh of the tall giant awoke the sleeping giant, and he opened his great eyes and stared at Hans.

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