the natives are restless

the natives are restless

English

Etymology

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

• 1868, New Zealand Parliamentary Debates: Third Session of the Fourth Parliament, Vol. 2, p. 387 (Google preview):

As to the Native question. . . . The Natives are restless, and seem desirous of fighting.

Phrase

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 Oct. 29, Diane Ketcham, "About Long Island: Warhorses On The Campaign Trail," 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 Dec. 29, David C. Churbuck, "Help! My PC won't work!," 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?," 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.