open up a can of worms
open up a can of worms
discover or bring to light a complicated matter likely to prove awkward or embarrassing – informal
1998 - New Scientist - UN officials readily accept that they have opened a can of worms and their guidelines will only have an effect, they say, if governments act on them.
Related Idioms :
carry the can
take responsibility for a mistake or misdeed - British informal
The origin of this expression and the nature of the can involved are both uncertain, though the idiom appears to have started life as early 20th-century naval or military slang.
1998 - Times - Was this the same Mr. Cook who danced on the Tories' graves for not carrying the can for errors of their officials?
in the can
completed and available for use
In recording or film-making, something that is in the can has been captured on tape or film.
open up a can of worms :
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