C1idiominformalnatureIELTS-friendly
open a can of worms
USUK
to start dealing with something that causes many new problems
Also just 'a can of worms': 'Pay is a real can of worms'.
In context
Asking about the old land dispute could open a can of worms in the family.
The audit opened a can of worms that the company had hidden for years.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed