Understanding the Meaning of 'Old Can of Worms' – Common Phrase Explained

Discover the meaning of the phrase 'old can of worms' and its implications in everyday conversation.

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The phrase 'old can of worms' refers to a situation that, once started, is likely to become problematic or complicated. Opening this 'can of worms' often means uncovering issues that were better left untouched, leading to unintended consequences or complex problems that are difficult to resolve.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the phrase 'old can of worms' mean? It refers to a complicated situation that may lead to unintended consequences.
  2. Where does the phrase 'can of worms' come from? The expression likely originates from the idea that revealing buried issues can lead to chaos.
  3. How can I use 'old can of worms' in a sentence? You might say, 'Bringing up that topic is like opening an old can of worms; it will just create more problems.'
  4. Are there similar idioms to 'old can of worms'? Yes, phrases like 'opening Pandora's box' convey a similar meaning of creating complication.

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