What is the idioms of a can of worms?
phrase. If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something which is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and which might be better left alone. You’ve opened up a whole new can of worms here, I think.
Is opening a can of worms an idiom?
Open a can of worms (idiom) (open / open up) a can of worms: a situation or issue that becomes even more complicated as you try to deal with it or solve the problem.
Where does the phrase open a can of worms come from?
The exact origin of the phrase is not completely known, but general consensus traces it back to the 1950s in the United States and literal cans of worms. Fisherman used to buy sealed metal cans of earthworms, as opposed to the plastic containers or Styrofoam cups of today.
How do you open a can of worms in a sentence?
Example Sentences
- The can of worms was wide open when he asked her about her past.
- I am not opening a can of worms by answering that question.
- To get into that discussion would mean to open a can of worms.
- The family has many can of worms so it is best to not ask them any personal questions.
Can of worms idiom or metaphor?
Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms is to examine or attempt to solve some problem, only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble.
Can of worms synonym?
In this page you can discover 26 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for can of worms, like: hard-nut-to-crack, pandora-s-box, dog-s-breakfast, complexity, complication, difficult situation, gordian-knot, headache, hornet’s nest, hot water and mare-s-nest.
Can of worms synonyms?
synonyms for can of worms
- Gordian knot.
- complex problem.
- complexity.
- complication.
- difficult situation.
- difficulty.
- dog’s breakfast.
- entanglement.
How do you use a can of worms?
Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms is to examine or attempt to solve some problem, only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble. Literally speaking, opening a can of worms, as most fishermen can attest, can also mean more trouble than you bargained for.
Can of worms similar phrases?
can of worms
- Gordian knot.
- complex problem.
- complexity.
- complication.
- difficult situation.
- difficulty.
- dog’s breakfast.
- entanglement.
Can of Worms opposite?
“It’s an inescapable truth that these problems have no easy solution.”…What is the opposite of can of worms?
| solution | resolution |
|---|---|
| magic bullet | panacea |
| silver bullet |
How did the term “open a can of Worms” originate?
The origin of the phrase ‘open a can of worms’ is unknown. It might have something to do with fishing, since people buy and open cans of worms to use as bait. Indeed, if someone plans to go fishing, they probably will need some kind of bait to lure the fish in and worms can help with that.
What is open can of Worms?
Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms means to inadvertently create numerous new problems while trying to solve one. Experts disagree on the origin of the phrase, but it is generally believed to be a Canadian or American metaphor coined sometime in the 1950s.
Can of Worms define?
Definition of ‘a can of worms’. a can of worms. phrase. If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something which is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and which might be better left alone.
Can of Worms definition?
To “Open a Can of Worms” means to start something slated to be difficult and not in one’s control. “Open a Can of Worms” is a well-known phrase that means that one is getting into a more complex area which may have deeper implications.