# can of worms

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/can-of-worms
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.

## Examples

- Don't ask about his divorce — it's a can of worms.
- The manager tried to fix the scheduling issue, but it opened a whole can of worms.
- What seemed a minor audit discrepancy soon became a can of worms, revealing years of mismanagement and hidden debts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.