Where did the term open a can of worms come from?

Where did the term open a can of worms come from?

The origin of this phrase may come from fishing. The reason is because people often buy and open cans of worms to use as bait during this activity. Indeed, bait is a big part of fishing; it helps to lure the fish in. Besides worms, there are other types of bait that are used.

What does the term open a can of worms mean?

Definition of 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.

IS can of worms a metaphor?

can of worms, it’s a/like opening a. Introducing a complicated problem or unsolvable dilemma. The metaphor alludes to the live bait of fishermen. In a jar or other container, they form an inextricable tangle, wriggling and entwining themselves with one another.

Can of Worms vs Pandora’s box?

Both idioms connote actions that cannot be undone. However, a can of worms may simply be annoying or too complicated while Pandora’s box is usually something much worse.

What does open up Pandora’s box mean?

to cause many troubles and problems
Definition of open a Pandora’s box : to cause many troubles and problems Her parents are understandably afraid of opening a Pandora’s box if they buy her a car.

What is the meaning of bull in a china shop?

Definition of a bull in a china shop : a person who breaks things or who often makes mistakes or causes damage in situations that require careful thinking or behavior As a politician, he was a bull in a china shop and often had to apologize for his rough speech.

What is kettle of fish means?

a bad state of affairs : mess
Definition of kettle of fish 1 : a bad state of affairs : mess. 2 : something to be considered or dealt with : matter a different kettle of fish.

Can of Worms similar idioms?

Find another word for can of worms. In this page you can discover 26 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for can of worms, like: hard-nut-to-crack, pandora-s-box, complexity, dog-s-breakfast, gordian-knot, complication, difficult situation, headache, hornet’s nest, hot water and mare-s-nest.

What is the metaphor of Pandora’s box?

A “Pandora’s box” is a metaphor in our modern languages, and the proverbial phrase refers to a source of endless complications or trouble arising from a single, simple miscalculation.

What is the moral of Pandora’s box?

The moral of Pandora’s Box is that unchecked curiosity and disobedience can be dangerous, but hope remains.

Why did Zeus give Pandora a box?

To congratulate them, Hermes came to the wedding ceremony and told Epimetheus that Pandora was a gift from Zeus, a peace-offer signifying that there were no more ill feelings between the chief of the gods and Prometheus. He also told Epimetheus that the gilded box of Pandora was a wedding gift from the Olympian King.

What was the remaining evil left inside Pandora’s jar?

In Greek mythology, Pandora had a box filled with evils. She curiously open the box and all of the evils flew into the world. As the last evil was to fly out, she slammed the box shut and one evil remained—hope.

What does fly like the wind mean?

Extremely quickly or rapidly.

Do not give two hoots meaning?

idiom informal (also not care/give a hoot) to not care about something or someone: I don’t give two hoots what she thinks. Expressions meaning ‘it isn’t important to me’

Why was hope the only thing left in Pandora’s box?

But man had no self-control and he wanted to know what was in that jar, so he pushed the lid aside, letting those things go back to the abode of the gods. So all the good things flew away, soaring high above the earth, and Elpis (Hope) was the only thing left.

What is at the bottom of the Pandora box?

Though she hastened to close the container, only one thing was left behind – usually translated as Hope, though it could also have the pessimistic meaning of “deceptive expectation”.