open a can of worms
Say it: open a can of WURMZ /ˌəʊpən ə ˌkæn əv ˈwɜːmz/ · idiom
What “open a can of worms” means
Cause a complicated situation with lots of new problems.
More precisely: To create a complicated situation with many new problems.
Example: “Asking about pay gaps in the all-hands opened a can of worms.”
When to use it
When one action brings several awkward new problems. Informal, often used to warn against starting a difficult discussion.
Similar words
stir up trouble, open Pandora's box
Quick check
You change one shared-house rule, and suddenly everyone raises different complaints that need solving. Which phrase describes what you did?
clear the air or open a can of worms?
Show the answer
open a can of worms
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