can of worms
/K AE1 N AH0 V W ER0 M Z/noun
- 1
(idiomatic) A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.
- 2
(idiomatic) A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious but not necessarily complex.
- 3
(idiomatic) Any difficult or disgusting task, activity, topic of discussion or subject matter, which would be ideally avoided if at all possible.
- 4
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can, worm.
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