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can of worms. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
can of worms, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
can of worms in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
can of worms you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Pronunciation
Noun
can of worms (plural cans of worms)
- (idiomatic) A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
If someone gets a promotion that might not be deserved, it could open up a whole can of worms with the other employees.
- (idiomatic) A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious but not necessarily complex.
Questioning the decision would definitely open a can of worms.
- (idiomatic) Any difficult or disgusting task, activity, topic of discussion or subject matter, which would be ideally avoided if at all possible.
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can, worm.
Synonyms
Translations
a complex, troublesome situation
See also