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CAN OF WORMS

"Can of worms" is an idiom that means to start a complicated situation or unexpected problem. It can also refer to a difficult or unpleasant task or topic. For example, you might say "Tackling the budget cuts is sure to open a can of worms".


EXAMPLES

"You've opened up a whole new can of worms here, I think"

"His recently published autobiography opened a fresh can of worms"



HISTORY

The exact origin of the phrase is not completely known, but general consensus traces it back to the 1950s in the United States and literal cans of worms. Fisherman used to buy sealed metal cans of earthworms, as opposed to the plastic containers or Styrofoam cups of today. After arriving at their fishing spot, they would set the metal can down and open it. What was inside was alive and if the top was left open for too long or the can was tipped over, well, your biggest problem would no longer be catching fish. It would be catching your bait that’s wriggling away.
The earliest documented example of this phrase is found in 1951 edition of the Edwardsville Intelligencer in Illinois.  

I realized that I never posted this in February! Me and my friends had a Galentines celebration where we celebrated our friendship with chocolate, music, games, and a nice dinner!