ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reopen old wounds

idiom
Meaning

To cause the memory of past trauma to be recalled, resulting in renewed suffering.


Examples
SIMPLE

Talking about the past only reopens old wounds.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter asked the politician about the scandal, which only served to reopen old wounds for the community.

COMPLEX

By insisting on a public inquiry into the failed merger, the board members inadvertently reopened old wounds that had finally begun to heal after years of corporate instability.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    any old nook or cranny

    Alternative form of any nook or cranny.

  2. 02

    bad old days

    The past, seen as a time when things were worse.

  3. 03

    big old

    Emphatically or impressively big; really big.

  4. 04

    chip off the old block

    Someone who takes after one of their parents; (generally) a person similar to another.

  5. 05

    come the old soldier

    Often followed by with: to deceive, impose upon, or take advantage of someone, as if exploiting one's superior age or experience.

  6. 06

    every old nook and cranny

    Alternative form of every nook and cranny.

  7. 07

    give someone the old heave-ho

    Alternative form of give someone the heave-ho.

  8. 08

    green old age

    A person's elderly years that are active or full of vitality.

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