can of worms

noun phrase

: pandora's box
afraid of what we would find if we opened up the can of worms that is the CIARichard Snider

Examples of can of worms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Would adding that bit have opened up a can of worms? Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 13 Oct. 2024 This opens up a whole can of worms about whether, quote-unquote, encrypted messaging and social apps should be regulated or considered responsible for the content that's posted on them. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024 That’s a can of worms for future parasite research. Ashley Stimpson, science.org, 7 May 2024 The guilty verdict in Donald Trump's hush money trial has opened a huge can of worms regarding what this could mean for him legally. Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 1 June 2024 There is always the possibility that your bonus son can stay at his mother’s until that happens, however, that will open another can of worms. Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2024 Smart glasses can be just as discreet, but wearing them opens a whole other can of worms. Victoria Song, The Verge, 27 Mar. 2024 So really, by definition, a can of worms, if the amendment process is opened up, either through a markup or on the floor. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 That in itself opens up a can of worms: Should a news organization go back in history to change a story based on information that comes out after it was originally published? David Bauder, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of can of worms was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near can of worms

Cite this Entry

“Can of worms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%20of%20worms. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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