a Pandora's box
Opening the old storage unit turned out to be a Pandora's box of legal issues.
The situation revealed many unexpected and complicated legal problems.
A situation that appears simple or harmless but actually leads to many complicated or troublesome problems.
The project seemed straightforward, but it became a Pandora's box of technical challenges.
The project appeared simple at first, but it revealed many unexpected technical difficulties.
Investigating the company's finances was like opening a Pandora's box.
Examining the company's finances uncovered many hidden and problematic issues.
This phrase is often used to describe situations where addressing one problem reveals many more.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that a seemingly simple situation has led to many unexpected problems.
Gold Rule
Rule of Thumb
Use 'a Pandora's box' to describe situations where addressing one problem reveals many more, often more serious, issues.
Word Origin
From Greek mythology, where Pandora's box (or jar) contained all the evils of humanity, which were released into the world when it was opened.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where addressing one issue leads to many more.