Open a Can of Worms

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🗓️ Idiom: Open a Can of Worms (v)

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💬 Meaning

• Try and fix something but actually uncover more problems.
• It means starting an action or discussion that makes things more difficult. Opening an issue reveals more problems.

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🧠 Example Sentences

• Changing the reporting system might open a can of worms we’re not ready for.
• When they questioned the old process, they opened a can of worms.
• Updating the software without testing it first opened a real can of worms for the support team.

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🏛️ Origin

This idiom likely comes from fishing, where opening a can of worms creates a messy, hard-to-control situation. It now refers to any action that leads to unexpected complications.

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📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blank:

The manager warned that changing the workflow might __________ and delay everything.

Answer

open a can of worms

2. Choose the correct meaning of “open a can of worms”:

A) To solve a simple problem
B) To start a helpful discussion
C) To create new and complicated problems
D) To avoid responsibility

Answer

C) To create new and complicated problems

3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:

“Looking into the issue caused a lot of unexpected problems.” → Change the sentence using: open a can of worms

Answer

Looking into the issue opened a can of worms.

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ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

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