Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of creating a complex or troublesome situation by initiating or addressing an issue that leads to further complications, problems, or controversies. It implies uncovering or stirring up difficulties that were previously hidden or unnoticed.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Bringing up the topic of inheritance at the family reunion opened a can of worms, as everyone had different opinions and expectations.”
- “I regret asking about his past relationships; it opened a can of worms I wasn’t prepared to deal with.”
- “The investigation into the company’s financial records revealed numerous discrepancies and opened a can of worms for the executives.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “open a can of worms” is uncertain, but it likely originates from the practice of fishing, where opening a container of live bait, such as worms, can lead to unexpected complications or messiness. The phrase gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a common idiom used to describe situations where addressing one issue leads to the discovery or creation of additional problems or complexities.
