sleeping giant

[ slee-ping jahy-uhnt ]

noun

1. 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.”

2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sleeping giant¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg