the natives are restless

Meaning

Phrase

• A group of agitated people—such as a set of residents, customers, or citizens—is expressing annoyance, distress, or other discomposure.

Origin

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