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Why do we say can of worms?

Why do we say can of worms?

The exact origin of the phrase is not completely known, but general consensus traces it back to the 1950s in the United States and literal cans of worms. Fisherman used to buy sealed metal cans of earthworms, as opposed to the plastic containers or Styrofoam cups of today.

Why do we say open a can of worms?

: to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn’t want to open a can of worms.

Can of worms pandoras box?

What’s the difference between Pandora’s box and a can of worms? In Greek myth, the contents of the fateful box belonging to Pandora (literally, “all gifts” in ancient Greek) were a mystery. With a can of worms, on the other hand, you know the kind of tangled, unpleasant mess you’re in for.

How do you open a can of worms in a sentence?

Example Sentences

  1. The can of worms was wide open when he asked her about her past.
  2. I am not opening a can of worms by answering that question.
  3. To get into that discussion would mean to open a can of worms.
  4. The family has many can of worms so it is best to not ask them any personal questions.

Can of Worms sentence?

Sentence examples — I never reported my supervisor’s sexual comments because I thought it would just open up a can of worms and my situation would become even worse. — Commenting on my wife’s appearance always opens a can of worms so I never say anything anymore.

Can of Worms reference?

If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something that is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and that might be better left alone. Introducing this legislation would be like opening a can of worms.

Can of Worms sayings?

Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms is to examine or attempt to solve some problem, only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble. Literally speaking, opening a can of worms, as most fishermen can attest, can also mean more trouble than you bargained for.

Can of Worms Greek mythology?

In mythology From this story has grown the idiom “to open a Pandora’s box”, meaning to do or start something that will cause many unforeseen problems. A modern, more colloquial equivalent is “to open a can of worms”.

Can of Worms alternatives?

synonyms for can of worms

  • complexity.
  • complication.
  • difficult situation.
  • difficulty.
  • entanglement.
  • headache.
  • hot water.
  • mess.

Did I open a can of worms?

If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something that is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and that might be better left alone.

Can of Worms synonyms?

Where can I find the word can of Worms?

Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Financial, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia. A situation that, once started, is likely to become problematic or have a negative outcome. Getting involved in the minor border conflict has become a can of worms for the country, with no end to the military engagement in sight.

What does the idiom open a can of Worms mean?

A complex unexpected problem or unsolvable dilemma, as in Tackling the budget cuts is sure to open a can of worms. This expression alludes to a container of bait used for fishing, which when opened reveals an inextricable tangle of worms. [1920s] The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

Is it bad to open a can of Worms?

The bad thing about live bait is also that it’s alive, and leaving the lid of the container loose or off is a great way to lose your bait. Given the opportunity to exit, worms will often either escape or just generally make it difficult to get them all back in the can and replace the lid.

Where did the saying Africa is a big can of worms come from?

For example, this line from Daily Record of Glasgow in 2006, “Africa is a huge can of worms and we can no longer stick our heads in the sand ,” which seems to be combining two cliches into one and not making sense in either direction.