a can of worms

USAGE SUMMARY

"a can of worms" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation that is complicated or problematic, often leading to further issues. For example, "Bringing up the budget cuts opened a can of worms that no one was prepared for." Alternative expressions include "a Pandora's box" and "a hornet's nest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A: Can of worms!

The New York Times

Democratisation might open a can of worms.

The Economist

It's really a can of worms.

The New York Times - Sports

Why open a can of worms?

Independent

"It's a can of worms," he said.

The New York Times

"We have revealed a can of worms.

The Guardian

It's opening up a can of worms.

The Guardian - Music

It might open a can of worms.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a can of worms, this.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought I was opening a can of worms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You would be opening a can of worms.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to warn someone that an seemingly simple action or question will lead to an overwhelming amount of hidden trouble.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in contexts involving actual biology or fishing unless you intend to make a pun. Additionally, do not mix it with other idioms, such as saying "we've opened a can of hornets", which weakens the impact of the established metaphor.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "a can of worms" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the direct object of a verb. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used with the verb "open", creating a complete idiomatic predicate that describes the initiation of a problematic sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Reference

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a can of worms" is a robust and highly effective idiom for describing situations that are more trouble than they initially appear. Ludwig analysis shows that it is a favorite among journalists and commentators for its ability to summarize complex political or social entanglements. It is almost always paired with the verb "open" and serves as a powerful metaphorical tool. While it is Correct and Very common, writers should be mindful of its informal roots and ensure its usage aligns with the intended tone of their work, potentially opting for a "Pandora's box" or a "hornet's nest" depending on the specific nuance of the trouble at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pandora's box

Shifts the metaphor to Greek mythology while maintaining the sense of releasing unforeseen troubles.

a hornet's nest

Emphasizes the aggressive or hostile nature of the reaction triggered by an action.

a minefield

Focuses on the hidden dangers and the need for extreme caution within a situation.

a slippery slope

Focuses on the inevitability of a situation worsening once a single step is taken.

a messy situation

A more literal and less idiomatic description of a complicated affair.

a cluster of issues

More formal and descriptive, identifying multiple problems without the vivid imagery.

a nest of vipers

Suggests a more malicious or dangerous group of problems or people.

a web of problems

Highlights the interconnected and trapping nature of the complications.

a tangled mess

Emphasizes the difficulty of unraveling or resolving the situation.

a complicated affair

Softens the negative connotation while still acknowledging complexity.

FAQs

What does it mean to "open a can of worms"?

To open "a can of worms" means to attempt to solve a problem or answer a question that actually creates many more new problems or complications. It is often used as a warning against meddling in complex affairs.

What is the difference between "a can of worms" and a "Pandora's box"?

While both describe releasing trouble, a "Pandora's box" usually implies a larger, more irreversible scale of catastrophe from a single source, whereas "a can of worms" often refers to a series of messy, annoying, or bureaucratic complications.

Can I use "a can of worms" in professional writing?

Yes, but use it sparingly. It is common in journalism and business commentary to describe a "complicated affair", but for formal academic reports, you might prefer more precise terms like a "multifaceted issue".

What can I say instead of "a can of worms"?

Depending on the tone, you can use alternatives like "a hornet's nest" for hostile situations, "a minefield" for dangerous paths, or simply "a messy situation" for everyday use.