Open a Can of Worms — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To say or do something that sets off a pile of new problems.

When you open a can of worms, one small move leads to a mess that is hard to stop.

It's usually a warning that things are about to get much more complicated.

Use it when…

When raising a sensitive topic causes far more conflict than expected
When a decision at work triggers a chain of problems that were never settled
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.

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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.

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Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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