🗓️ Idiom: Open a Can of Worms (v)
💬 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.
🧠 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.
🏛️ 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.
📝 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.