Definition

Noun: - A source of unpredictable trouble and complexity: A situation or issue that, once investigated or opened up, leads to a multitude of new, unexpected, and difficult problems.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a problematic situation that is best left alone because dealing with it will create many more complications. It is often used with verbs like open, open up, or be.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Asking about the company's old financial records opened a real can of worms.
  • The proposed policy change is a can of worms the committee doesn't want to deal with.
  • Be careful with that investigation; you might be opening a can of worms.

Advanced Usage

• "to open (up) a can of worms": To initiate an action that reveals or creates a host of complicated problems.
  • The journalist's questions opened up a can of worms for the politician.
• "to be a can of worms": To be a situation that is inherently complex and troublesome.
  • The inheritance dispute turned out to be a complete can of worms.

Variants and Related Words

• Pandora's box (noun): A similar idiom meaning an action that seems small or innocent but that leads to a host of unforeseen and serious complications.
  • The new evidence unlocked a Pandora's box of legal issues.

Synonyms

• Quagmire: A complex, difficult, and inescapable situation.
• Mess: A situation that is confused, troublesome, or embarrassing.
• Hornet's nest: A situation that will cause a lot of trouble or anger (implies provoking a strong reaction).

Related Idioms

• A hornet's nest: Often used similarly to "can of worms," but with a stronger connotation of provoking an angry or violent reaction.
  • His comments stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy.
• Pandora's box: As noted above, a closely related classical idiom with a similar meaning.

Noun

1. a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity