PhrasesHub

can of worms

    Definitions

      • complex situation
        Referring to a complicated or troublesome situation or issue that is best left alone

      • unintended consequences
        Describing a situation or action that will lead to unforeseen and undesirable outcomes

    Examples of can of worms

    • After discovering a letter that shed light on a scandalous affair between two of her closest friends, Sarah opened a can of worms that she couldn't close.

      This idiomatic expression refers to the idea that once you uncover hidden or complicated information, it can lead to a multitude of unforeseen consequences or problems. The image of a can of worms conveys the idea that once you open it, the worms crawl out and create a mess that is difficult to control or contain. In Sarah's case, her discovery of the letter concerning her friends' affair essentially opened a Pandora's box of emotions, secrets, and tension that Sarah was not prepared to handle.

    • The CEO's decision to restructure the company's departmental functions opened a can of worms that the board of directors had not anticipated.

      When the CEO makes a major decision, such as restructuring a company's departmental functions, it can have unintended and sometimes unwelcome consequences. This is because there are inherent risks and challenges associated with making such a big change. The expression "opened a can of worms" highlights the fact that once the decision is implemented, it may lead to a myriad of issues or problems that the decision-maker had not considered. In this example, the board of directors did not anticipate the extent of the issues that arose as a result of the CEO's decision to restructure the company's departmental functions.

    • During the course of the investigation, the detective accidentally stumbled upon a piece of evidence that opened a can of worms that could potentially derail the entire case.

      When a detective solves a crime, she generally relies on certain pieces of evidence to build a strong case against the perpetrator. However, sometimes, unexpected or unforeseen evidence can emerge that throws the whole case into chaos. The expression "opened a can of worms" poetically reflects this moment of turmoil and uncertainty, where an unexpected turn of events can drastically alter the course of the investigation. The detective's discovery of new evidence that threatened to destabilize the case was a clear example of opening a can of worms, as it presented new challenges and obstacles that she had not anticipated.

    • The journalist's investigative piece on the corrupt politician opened a can of worms that led to a full-blown scandal.

      When a journalist exposes a scandal or uncovers a wrongdoing, it can lead to a series of unintended consequences. This is because the story can generate a significant amount of attention and scrutiny, which can lead to more revelations and accusations. The expression "opened a can of worms" is fitting in this context because it underscores the fact that exposing corruption can sometimes create more problems than it solves, as it can spark a chain-reaction of revelations that are difficult to manage. The journalist's investigative piece on the corrupt politician was a prime example of opening a can of worms, as it led to a full-blown scandal that had far-reaching consequences.

    • Opening a can of worms in a meeting can lead to unexpected and complicated discussions, as it brings up many unresolved issues that were previously ignored.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where addressing a seemingly small or simple matter can result in a complex and difficult problem, much like opening a can of worms unleashes many unforeseen issues.

    • Avoiding certain topics in a relationship can be like keeping a can of worms closed, but it can only last for so long before the issues inside start to seep out and cause problems.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where avoiding an issue or topic in a relationship can cause it to fester and eventually lead to bigger problems, much like a can of worms that remains closed can still cause issues to seep out over time.

    • Discussing a current political issue with an outspoken friend can often feel like opening a can of worms, as they tend to bring up multiple related issues that may not necessarily be relevant to the original topic.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where engaging in a discussion with someone who has strong opinions can lead to a wide-ranging and often confusing discussion, much like opening a can of worms can unleash a multitude of related issues.

    • Delaying a difficult decision can sometimes feel like keeping a can of worms closed, but if the issues inside are left unaddressed for too long, they may eventually become too large to ignore.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where avoiding a difficult decision can allow problems to fester and grow, much like keeping a can of worms closed allows issues to accumulate over time.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "can of worms" is used to describe a complex or troublesome situation that is best left alone. It can also refer to unintended consequences that arise from a particular action or decision. In both cases, the idiom conveys the idea that delving into the situation or taking action will lead to undesirable outcomes.

    People often use this idiom to caution against getting involved in a situation that is likely to cause more trouble than it's worth. It serves as a warning to consider the potential complications and negative outcomes before proceeding. Additionally, it highlights the idea that some issues are best left untouched to avoid further problems.

    Overall, "can of worms" is a useful idiom for warning against unnecessary complications or unforeseen consequences, emphasizing the importance of considering the potential outcomes before taking action.

    Origin of "can of worms"

    The origin of the idiom "can of worms" is not definitively known, but it is believed to have originated from the image of opening a container of live bait, such as worms, for fishing. When the can is opened, the worms inside can become tangled and difficult to handle, creating a messy and complicated situation.

    The idiom likely gained popularity due to its vivid and relatable imagery, as well as its ability to succinctly convey the idea of a situation becoming more complicated and difficult to manage once it is opened or addressed. Over time, it has become a widely used phrase in the English language to describe challenging and intricate situations.