open a can of worms

idiom

: 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.

Dictionary Entries Near open a can of worms

Cite this Entry

“Open a can of worms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20a%20can%20of%20worms. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!