ENGLISH
REFERENCE

open a can of whoop ass

idiom
Meaning

A good-humored threat of physical harm.


Origin

disputed origin

From English whoop (variant of whip) + ass.

Examples
SIMPLE

If you touch my lunch again, I will open a can of whoop ass.

CONTEXTUAL

The coach told the team that if they didn't start playing harder, he would open a can of whoop ass on them.

COMPLEX

The veteran fighter grinned at his opponent, jokingly warning that he was about to open a can of whoop ass if the match continued.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ass over teakettle

    Tumbling upside down.

  2. 02

    beat someone's ass

    To thrash someone.

  3. 03

    bite my ass

    Go away!; an expression of disdain or dismissal.

  4. 04

    bite my shiny metal ass

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  5. 05

    bust ass

    To work hard, especially when trying to achieve a goal.

  6. 06

    cover someone's ass

    To make preparations or take precautions to ensure that a person is not blamed or punished for his or her conduct.

  7. 07

    drag ass

    To move slowly, or lag behind.

  8. 08

    find one's ass with both hands and a flashlight

    Synonym of know one's ass from a hole in the ground.

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