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a can of worms
/ə kæn əv wɜːrms/◆idiom
a complicated situation that creates many new problems
Opening that old file revealed a real can of worms.
The old file contained many unexpected and complicated issues.
informal
A situation that is complicated and leads to many new problems when you try to deal with it.
When we tried to update the software, we opened a real can of worms.
The software update led to many unexpected and complicated issues.
Fixing the plumbing turned into a can of worms.
The plumbing repair revealed many more problems than expected.
This idiom is often used to describe situations where solving one problem leads to discovering many more.
Collocations
open a can of wormsto reveal a complicated situationcreate a can of wormsto cause a complicated situation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use this idiom when you want to describe a situation that becomes more complicated than expected, often leading to many new problems.
Gold Rule
Context Rule
This idiom is best used in informal contexts, such as conversations or casual writing. Avoid using it in formal or academic writing.
Word Origin
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea that opening a can of worms (which are alive and wriggling) would create a messy and complicated situation.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe situations that become more complicated than expected. It is often used in business, technology, and everyday life.
English Dictionary