This comment has not seeped in from the Simpsons' fansite. In the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, a confused mess is sometimes referred to as a "hannekensnest", "hanneken" being dialect for the magpie. Apparently, in spring, magpies quickly build shoddy nests high up in the trees. A confused mess is hence referred to a as a "hannekensnest".
It shows that local expressions are rooted in quite similar traditions everywhere in the world.

Thanks for AWAD, I wish it existed in my own language, spoken by only 21 million people!

Benoît, Hasselt, Belgium

Welcome as a good neighbour. (the welcome committee may be busy elsewhere.)What other sloppy or dangerous nests are used as a metaphor? The wasps' nest (political circuits) and the viper's nest (approx. as dangerous but wingless and more deadly) bringing forth "viper's brood".
The wood pigeon makes as bad a mare's nest as the magpie.
(in town at least)

We pretty much use hornet's nest as the example of something you don't want to stir up, whether politically or otherwise. Probably about the same thing as a wasp's nest.

... and, a snake pit is sumpin else ...

>Benoit, could I ask you in English if wespennest is also wespennest in Flanders? And slangenkuil also slangenkuil?

>zmjezhd,
snake pit you say; does that mean other than viper's nest?
"Viper's nest of tax avoiders. Without investigating the role of major accountancy firms no government will ever succeed in curbing tax avoidance. ."

does that mean other than viper's nest?

Well, there's the historical method of punishment amongst those pesky Vikings: (link), but whenever I hear the term I think of the 1948 movie (link).

Hmmm! nice Gotland stone. I've seen the movie many years ago.
BBC 2 and Belgian Canvas Net are good in good movies. Love those 40-50th' ones.