Open a Can of Worms — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

When you open a can of worms, one small move leads to a cascade of complications that are hard to control or resolve.

It's usually a warning — someone is about to do something that will make things much messier.

Use it when…

When raising a sensitive topic causes far more conflict than expected.
When a decision at work triggers a chain of unresolved problems.
When someone mentions a past event that reignites old arguments.

Don’t confuse with...

"Stir the Pot"

—

Deliberately cause conflict or drama in a situation

"Open Pandora's Box"

—

Release something catastrophic and impossible to contain

"Open a Can of Worms"

—

Start something that leads to unexpected, hard-to-manage complications

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Open a Can of Worms" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

The CFO warned that changing the bonus structure would open a can of worms with departments that felt underpaid.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

Bringing up old photos from the reunion opened a can of worms — everyone had a different memory of how things went.

Media & Everyday Life

Politics

The proposed amendment opened a can of worms, with lawmakers disagreeing on dozens of new clauses it would require.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Open a Can of Worms" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising concerns

You

I want to flag something, but I'm worried it might open a can of worms.

Manager

Better now than later — tell me what's going on.

Relationships

Talking to partner

Partner

Should we talk about what happened at your parents' last visit?

You

I want to, but I'm afraid we'll open a can of worms before the weekend trip.

Everyday Conversations

Small talk

Friend

Did you ask your landlord about the rent increase?

You

Not yet — I feel like I'll open a can of worms and he'll find something to complain about too.

‹›

Last updated:

June 4, 2026

Become an Insider

Get exclusive invitations to try our new English online courses FOR FREE.

Enjoy special discounts and unique offers for club members only!

Become an Insider

Tell us a bit about you to unlock more relevant content and insider perks.

Where do you want to improve your English?*

Helps us tailor content to you.

Select an option

Where are you based? (optional)

Select country

What's your native language? (optional)

Select language

First Name (optional)

I consent to theidiomdaily.com collecting and storing my data for the purpose of sending newsletters, updates, and promotional content. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time by using the link provided in the emails. By checking this box, I agree to the Privacy Policy.

You’re in! Welcome to
the Insider Club.

Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.

Unsubscribe
anytime.

Trusted by

1.5M+

English learners &
teachers worldwide