can of worms

Dictionary: can of worms

n. Informal., pl. cans of worms.

A source of unforeseen and troublesome complexity.

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Thesaurus: can of worms

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Idioms: can of worms

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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]

WordNet: can of worms

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Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: (informal) a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity

Shopping: can of worms

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worms	pictures about earth worms
worms armageddon	how to eat fried worms

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	I think i could have worms i have all the symptoms but does having worms actually make you eat more and gain weight? Read answer...

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		Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more
		Thesaurus. Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by the Editors of the American Heritage® Dictionary Copyright © 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more
		Idioms. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more
		WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. Read more