can of worms

USAGE SUMMARY

"can of worms" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular situation that is considered to be difficult, complicated or fraught with potential problems. For example, you could say "Opening up the issue of health care reform has opened a can of worms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A: Can of worms!

The New York Times

Huge can of worms.

The New York Times

A Proustian can of worms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

"Today it's a can of worms".

The New York Times - Books

Don't even open that can of worms.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times

"We have revealed a can of worms.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's a can-of-worms decision for your style guide.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair with active verbs such as "open", "reveal", "uncover", or "create" for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid mixing "can of worms" with other containers or problem-based idioms. For instance, saying "opening a can of hornets" or "unlocking a can of worms" sounds unnatural. Stick to the standard "opening" of the "can" to ensure the imagery remains clear and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can of worms" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is almost exclusively used as the direct object of verbs like "open", signifying the initiation of a process that uncovers unexpected complications. Its structural role is to provide a vivid shorthand for a multifaceted problem that is easier to leave undisturbed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "can of worms" is a robust and highly effective idiomatic expression used to characterize situations fraught with hidden complications. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance in authoritative writing, from The New York Times to Harvard Business Review. It is most powerful when used to describe the transition from a simple appearance to a messy reality. While synonymous with "<a href="/s/Pandora's+box" target="_blank" rel="alternative">Pandora's box", it carries a more grounded, pragmatic connotation of 'messiness' rather than mythological 'doom'. For writers, it remains a go-to phrase for adding descriptive color to complex problem-solving narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pandora's box

Focuses more on the irreversible release of many unforeseen evils or problems.

kettle of fish

Describes a messy or awkward state of affairs, often used as 'a different kettle of fish'.

hornet's nest

Emphasizes a situation that will provoke a hostile or angry reaction when disturbed.

minefield

Suggests a situation containing many hidden dangers or controversial aspects.

quagmire

Implies a complex situation that is difficult to escape or resolve.

messy situation

A literal, non-idiomatic description of the same concept.

complicated issue

A dry, professional alternative suitable for technical reports.

slippery slope

Focuses on a course of action that leads inevitably from one mistake to others.

rabbit hole

Suggests a situation that becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming as one delves deeper.

troublesome matter

Formal phrasing that lacks the vivid imagery of the original idiom.

FAQs

How do I use "can of worms" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation that becomes unexpectedly complicated. For example: "Asking about the budget cuts really opened a "can of worms" during the meeting."

What is a more formal way to say "can of worms"?

In formal contexts, you might replace it with "<a href="/s/complex+issue" target="_blank" rel="alternative">complex issue", "<a href="/s/multifaceted+problem" target="_blank" rel="alternative">multifaceted problem", or "<a href="/s/contentious+matter" target="_blank" rel="alternative">contentious matter".

Is it "can of worms" or "Pandora's box"?

While similar, a "<a href="/s/Pandora's+box" target="_blank" rel="alternative">Pandora's box" usually implies something that once started cannot be stopped and has catastrophic consequences, whereas a "can of worms" focuses more on the messy, tangled nature of the resulting problems.

Which verb goes best with "can of worms"?

The most standard verb is "<a href="/s/open+a+can+of+worms" target="_blank" rel="alternative">open a can of worms", but you can also use "<a href="/s/avoid+opening+a+can+of+worms" target="_blank" rel="alternative">avoid opening a can of worms" or "<a href="/s/reveal+a+can+of+worms" target="_blank" rel="alternative">reveal a can of worms".