Meaning of can of worms | Babel Free
Definitions
- A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
- A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious but not necessarily complex.
- Any difficult or disgusting task, activity, topic of discussion or subject matter, which would be ideally avoided if at all possible.
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can, worm.
Equivalents
Suomi
soppa
Français
sac de nœuds
Magyar
darázsfészek
Italiano
aprire il vaso di Pandora
Polski
puszka Pandory
Examples
“If someone gets a promotion that might not be deserved, it could open up a whole can of worms with the other employees.”
“Questioning the decision would definitely open a can of worms.”
CEFR level
C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See also
Know this word better than we do? Language is a living thing — help us keep it growing. Collaborate with Babel Free