"[open|reopen] old wounds" の定義と意味

What is the origin of the idiom "open old wounds" and when to use it?

The idiom "open old wounds" is rooted in the idea that emotional or psychological pain can be compared to physical wounds. Just as physical wounds can heal but may still leave scars, emotional wounds can heal over time but may still be sensitive or painful if the issues associated with them are revisited. This expression is used to describe situations where past emotional or psychological traumas, conflicts, or problems are brought up or revisited, often causing renewed pain or distress.