The idiom "can of worms" originated from the practice of fishing using live bait, where worms were commonly stored in cans. Opening a can of worms refers to a situation or topic that, once introduced or addressed, leads to a complex and troublesome set of problems or difficulties. It is used to suggest that by delving into a particular issue, one is likely to encounter a multitude of interconnected and challenging issues that can be difficult to resolve.

What is the origin of the idiom "can of worms" and when to use it?

Definition und Bedeutung von „can of worms“ im Englischen

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