to  open old wounds
<abbr style="text-decoration: underline;" title="open / reopen" > open</abbr>
əʊpən
ewpēn
old
ri:əʊpən
riewpēn
wounds
əʊld
ewld

Definition & Meaning of "open old wounds"in English

to open old wounds
01

to bring up past painful or unresolved experiences, often leading to emotional distress or discomfort 

to [open|reopen] old wounds definition and meaning
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

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.

Examples
Please don't bring up the divorce; it will only reopen old wounds. 
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