open a can of worms
/ˌəʊpən ə ˌkæn əv ˈwɜːmz/INFORMAL · C1
Meaning
to start dealing with something that causes many new problems
Examples
- 1Asking about the old family argument at dinner would open a can of worms.
- 2The new rules on working from home have opened a can of worms for managers.
- 3Checking one invoice opened a can of worms: dozens of payments had gone to the wrong accounts.
- 4If we question one result, won't we open a can of worms and have to recheck every exam?
- 5Nobody wants to discuss the parking spaces again, because it'll only open a can of worms.
Grammar
Only open changes: opens, opening, opened. worms stays plural.
More idioms about problems and trouble
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →a vicious circlea situation where one problem causes another that makes the first worseface the musicto accept criticism or punishment for something you didrock the boatto upset a calm situation and cause problemsthrow a spanner in the worksto do something that stops a plan from succeedingsweep something under the carpetto hide a problem instead of dealing with itteething problemssmall difficulties at the start of something new
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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