Can of worms

Meaning

The idiom "can of worms" refers to a situation or topic that is so complex or difficult to handle that it seems like opening a can of worms, meaning breaking the contents apart into many smaller parts. It can also refer to something that has caused chaos or trouble.

Usage

• The politician's response to the scandal opened up a can of worms that we didn't need.
• The news of the company's financial troubles was like opening up a can of worms and everyone started asking questions.
• We thought we had everything under control until the new employee came in and opened up a can of worms with their work ethic.
• The argument between the siblings quickly turned into a can of worms that they couldn't seem to resolve.
• The family gathering was supposed to be fun, but when they started discussing politics, it turned into a can of worms that no one wanted to touch.

Roots and History

The phrase "can of worms" first appeared in the mid-19th century, with early uses appearing in 1852 and 1863. It is believed to have originated from the idea of opening a can of worms and having the contents spill out all over the place, making it difficult to clean up. The phrase has since been used metaphorically to refer to any situation that becomes complicated or chaotic once opened.

Synonyms in English

• Pandora's box
• Opening a Pandora's box
• Unraveling a tangled web
• Breaking the ice
• Bursting someone's bubble

Synonyms in other languages

| Language | Idiom | Translation | Description | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Spanish | Arroz con pollo | Chicken rice | Refers to a situation that is easy to handle or understand | | French | Envoie de lettres rouges | Red envelopes | Refers to legal letters or documents | | German | Die Wirte hängen die Kuh auf | Hang the cow up | Refers to a difficult situation or problem | | Japanese | 獅子の転い上がり | Fall seven, stand up eight | Refers to learning from failure and standing up again | | Italian | Il caos dopo il tranquillità | Chaos after calm | Refers to a sudden change in a peaceful situation |

Similar Idioms

• cut the crap

• cool heels

• cut both ways