Understanding the Idiom 'A Can of Worms': Meaning and Implications

Discover the meaning of the idiom 'a can of worms' and its implications in everyday situations.

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'A can of worms' refers to a situation that, once started, is likely to become problematic or complicated. For instance, addressing one small issue may reveal many more complex problems hidden beneath the surface.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the idiom 'a can of worms' mean? It refers to a situation that, once addressed, leads to more complex problems.
  2. Where did the phrase 'a can of worms' originate? The exact origin is unclear, but it is believed to relate to fishing, where opening a can of worms leads to more issues.
  3. Can you give an example of 'a can of worms' in a sentence? Addressing the budget issue opened a can of worms, revealing deeper financial problems.
  4. Are there other idioms similar to 'a can of worms'? Yes, idioms like 'opening a Pandora's box' convey similar meanings of unintended consequences.