dragon's teeth

plural noun

1. informal.
   conical or wedge-shaped concrete antitank obstacles protruding from the ground in rows: used in World War II
2. sow dragon's teeth
   to take some action that is intended to prevent strife or trouble but that actually brings it about

Word History and Origins

Origin of dragon's teeth¹

sense 2 from the story of Cadmus

Example Sentences

He had only sown dragons teeth, from which enemies sprang up to harass and vex him even to the end of his days.

From Project Gutenberg

But Europe had by her fatuous interference with the internal affairs of France sown dragons teeth indeed.

From Project Gutenberg

And there was the end of the army that had sprouted from the dragons teeth.

From Project Gutenberg