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

For example, some entity assumes it can act with impunity and gets away with plenty of crimes . . . until it crosses a sleeping giant.

From Salon

“We are witnessing an acceleration that is absolutely devastating,” Guterres said about the rate of ice melt in Antarctica, which is considered to be a “sleeping giant.”

From Seattle Times

“Suddenly,” she added, “the sleeping giant has awaked.”

From New York Times

Mr. Trump’s adviser Jason Miller said prosecutors had “awakened a sleeping giant” with what he said was a “weaponized” justice system.

From New York Times

It’s a mission that’s often characterized as waking up a sleeping giant.

From Seattle Times