Definition of open a can of worms

: to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn't want to open a can of worms.

Can of worms idiom in a sentence?

Sentence examples

— When Sarah decided to look at her boyfriend's iPhone she opened a can of worms. — When I discovered white powder in my daughter's bathroom I thought I'd found a can of worms but fortunately it was only translucent face powder.

Can of worms meaning synonym?

synonyms for can of worms

Gordian knot. complex problem. complexity. complication. difficult situation.

Why do we say can of worms?

The exact origin of the phrase is not completely known, but general consensus traces it back to the 1950s in the United States and literal cans of worms. Fisherman used to buy sealed metal cans of earthworms, as opposed to the plastic containers or Styrofoam cups of today.

How do you use can of worms?

Examples of 'a can of worms' in a sentence a can of worms

1. Barney once said, `I'd rather open a can of caviar than a can of worms any day of the week. ...
2. Don't go opening another can of worms and losing sight of the prime objective. ...
3. The judgment opens a can of worms. ...
4. This is, to say the least, a can of worms.

Open a Can of Worms Idiom Meaning | Origin

Can of worms Urban?

If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something that is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and that might be better left alone.

Can of worms vs Pandora's box?

What's the difference between Pandora's box and a can of worms? In Greek myth, the contents of the fateful box belonging to Pandora (literally, “all gifts” in ancient Greek) were a mystery. With a can of worms, on the other hand, you know the kind of tangled, unpleasant mess you're in for.

Can of worms relationship?

To open a can of worms is to attempt to solve a problem only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble. The metaphor refers to fishing – the tendency of live bait to wriggle loose from any open container, creating a messy issue for the angler.

Can of worms meaning Reddit?

If someone says, “you have opened a can of worms,” it means you said or did something that caused a situation to become more troublesome or complicated.

Can of beans meaning?

If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it's worth. exact (5) You wouldn't trust them to open a can of beans with a fool-proof industrial can opener, such was their look of total thickness. 1.

Can of worms idiom similar?

In this page you can discover 26 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for can of worms, like: hard-nut-to-crack, pandora-s-box, dog-s-breakfast, gordian-knot, complexity, complication, difficult situation, headache, hornet's nest, hot water and mare-s-nest.

What are examples of idioms?

Common Idioms in English

• Getting fired turned out to be a blessing in disguise. ...
• These red poppies are a dime a dozen. ...
• Don't beat around the bush. ...
• After some reflection, he decided to bite the bullet. ...
• I'm going to call it a night. ...
• He's got a chip on his shoulder. ...
• Would you cut me some slack? - Don't be so hard on me.

What does dont play the worm with me mean?

in a way that is unconsciously cruel or hurtful; trifle or dally (with) to play about with a young girl's affections. 6 when intr, often foll by: at to perform or act the part (of) in or as in a dramatic production; assume or simulate the role (of)

Can of worms Parents Guide?

Parents need to know that Can of Worms is a Disney kids' sci-fi comedy with mild peril, very little violence, and plenty of positive messages and role models. The animatronic alien creatures are mostly designed to be amusing, but one or two could bother younger children.

Can of worms budget?

But in November the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) said it needed about $100 million more to complete the entire project as planned. Soil, streams and other factors drove up the costs to $442 million as the so-called “Can of Worms” earned its nickname.

What does open up Pandora's box mean?

Definition of open a Pandora's box

: to cause many troubles and problems Her parents are understandably afraid of opening a Pandora's box if they buy her a car.

Can of Worms interchange?

The Can of Worms is a local name for the intersection of Interstates 590 and 490 on the east side of Rochester, New York .

Why did Zeus give the box to Pandora?

To congratulate them, Hermes came to the wedding ceremony and told Epimetheus that Pandora was a gift from Zeus, a peace-offer signifying that there were no more ill feelings between the chief of the gods and Prometheus. He also told Epimetheus that the gilded box of Pandora was a wedding gift from the Olympian King.

Can of worms meaning Pandora's box?

It comes from a Greek myth about a woman, Pandora, who was given a jar that held all the evil in the world. She was curious and opened the jar anyway. Both idioms connote actions that cannot be undone. However, a can of worms may simply be annoying or too complicated while Pandora's box is usually something much worse.

What is the opposite of Pandora's box?

There are no categorical antonyms for Pandora's box. The proper noun Pandora's box is defined as: A box given to Pandora by Zeus, whose instructions that it must not be opened were ignored with disastrous consequences.

Why are there no worms?

If you find ten or more you have a healthy population. No worms at all? It means that the conditions must be poor - no moisture, toxic substances, sandy soil, or no organic matter for them to eat will all prevent them from setting up shop in your yard.

Can worms hear?

Hearing: Earthworms have no ears, but their bodies can sense the vibrations of animals moving nearby. Thinking and feeling: Worms have a brain that connects with nerves from their skin and muscles.