Open a can of worms
Meaning
To initiate a discussion or action that leads to unforeseen and complex problems or difficulties.
Origin
The phrase vividly paints a picture of a contained, manageable situation suddenly exploding into a squirming, chaotic mess. Gaining widespread popularity in mid-20th century American English, its evocative power likely stems from the common experience of anglers. When preparing for a fishing trip, opening a can of live bait would inevitably release a wriggling, tangled mass of worms, making it difficult to handle and creating a minor, yet messy, nuisance. This everyday chore provided a perfect metaphor for inadvertently unleashing a host of interconnected, hard-to-control problems once a sensitive topic or issue is broached.
Examples
- Bringing up the budget deficit during the family dinner felt like opening a can of worms, as everyone had strong opinions.
- If we start debating the new seating chart, we'll open a can of worms with all the departmental rivalries.