open a can of worms
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open a can of worms — open (up) a can of worms to create a situation that will cause trouble or be unpleasant. The investigation into how these expensive trips were paid for certainly opened a can of worms. Usage notes: sometimes used without open up: I don t think… … New idioms dictionary
can of worms — {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A complex problem, or complicated situation. * /Let s not get into big city politics that s a different can of worms./ 2. A very restless, jittery person. * /Joe can t sit still for a minute he is a can of worms./ … Dictionary of American idioms
can of worms — {n.}, {slang}, {informal} 1. A complex problem, or complicated situation. * /Let s not get into big city politics that s a different can of worms./ 2. A very restless, jittery person. * /Joe can t sit still for a minute he is a can of worms./ … Dictionary of American idioms
can of worms — noun a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity • Usage Domain: ↑colloquialism • Hypernyms: ↑trouble, ↑problem * * * : pandora s box * * * Informal. a source of many unpredictable or unexpected problems: Buying a company we know nothing… … Useful english dictionary
can of worms — noun a) A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems. If I give her a promotion which she doesnt deserve, it will open up a whole can of worms with the other employees. b) A… … Wiktionary
can of worms — a controversial issue, an old problem Gun control let s not open that can of worms! … English idioms
can of worms — A complex problem. ► “One area that was targeted for cuts was federal food insurance; the premiums charged are considered artificially low by some people. Congress is reluctant to open a can of worms with so many potential voters.” (Barron’s,… … American business jargon
open up a can of worms — open (up) a can of worms to create a situation that will cause trouble or be unpleasant. The investigation into how these expensive trips were paid for certainly opened a can of worms. Usage notes: sometimes used without open up: I don t think… … New idioms dictionary
opening a can of worms — If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it s worth … The small dictionary of idiomes
opening a can of worms — If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it s worth. (Dorking School Dictionary) … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
