Tolstoy's Snowball 

An entity that will survive longer if attacked than if left alone. Reference to Tolstoy's comment in War and Peace that a snowball will stick together as it melts on a stove when it would fall apart if left alone. Lesser known cousin of Chekov's Gun.

Bro #1: Bro, do you want to prank our rival team before the big game?
Bro #2: Nah bro, did you hear them arguing after that last practice? They're Tolstoy's Snowball - they'll play way worse if they don't have us to focus on.

Bro #1: That's wise bro.

Tolstoy's Snowball by Crazy cow May 9, 2025