can of worms
Noun

can of worms

  1. (idiomatic) A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
    If someone gets a promotion that might not be deserved, it could open up a whole can of worms with the other employees.
  2. (idiomatic) A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious but not necessarily complex.
    Questioning the decision would definitely open a can of worms.
Synonyms Translations
  • French: sac de nœuds
  • Russian: клубо́к пробле́м
  • Spanish: melón (colloquial; usu. preceded by the verb abrir)



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