the natives are restless

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English

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Etymology

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Originally a literal description of rebellious aboriginal inhabitants of British colonies, as in:

  • New Zealand Parliamentary Debates: Third Session of the Fourth Parliament, Vol. 2, 1868, page 387
As to the Native question, [] The Natives are restless, and seem desirous of fighting.

Phrase

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the natives are restless

  1. (set phrase, often mildly humorous) A group of agitated people—such as a set of residents, customers, or citizens—is expressing annoyance, distress, or other discomposure.
    • 1989 October 29, Diane Ketcham, “About Long Island: Warhorses On The Campaign Trail”, in New York Times, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      This election year, the natives are restless, the senior campaigners say. Long Island voters are angry about high taxes, affordable housing and drugs.
    • 1997 December 29, David C. Churbuck, “Help! My PC won't work!”, in Forbes, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      Gateway has plenty of company in having to deal with frustrated, sometimes irate, customers. [] The natives are restless. Few vendors are spared.
    • 2010 May 20, David Von Drehle, “The Pitchfork Primaries: Will Washington Get the Message?”, in Time, retrieved 28 May 2015:
      The natives are restless. Americans of all persuasions at last agree on something. It is a message to their leaders that starts with F and ends with u.