词组 | can of worms |
释义 | can of worms Theme: DIFFICULTIES n. an intertwined set of problems; an array of difficulties. (Often with open.)This whole business is a real can of worms.When you brought that up, you opened a whole new can of worms. Idiom can of worms informal a situation which causes a lot of trouble for you when you start to deal with it.Quite what we do with all the waste generated by this industry is another can of worms.Once you start making concessions to individual members of staff, you really open up a can of worms. (= cause a lot of trouble for yourself)can of worms noun 1 a complex issue or situation, consideration of which may cause further problems, scandal or unpleasantness US, 1927. 2 a can of c-ration spaghetti US, 1991 can of wormsA situation that, once started, is likely to become problematic or have a negative outcome. Getting involved in the minor border conflict has become a can of worms for the country, with no end to the military engagement in sight. You can try reformatting your computer, but once you open that can of worms, you'll probably be working on it for days. *can of wormsFig. a very difficult issue or set of problems; an array of difficulties. (*Typically: be ~; Open ~.) This political scandal is a real can of worms. Let's not open that can of worms! can of wormsA complex unexpected problem or unsolvable dilemma, as in Tackling the budget cuts is sure to open a can of worms. This expression alludes to a container of bait used for fishing, which when opened reveals an inextricable tangle of worms. [1920s] a can of wormsCOMMON A can of worms is a situation or subject that is very complicated, difficult or unpleasant to deal with or discuss. Now we have uncovered a can of worms in which there has not only been shameful abuse of power, but a failure of moral authority of the worst kind. Note: You can also use the expression to open a can of worms, meaning to start dealing with or discussing something so complicated, difficult or unpleasant that it would be better not to deal with or discuss it at all. Whenever a company connects its network to the Internet, it opens a can of worms in security terms. Many people worry that by uncovering the cause of their unhappiness they might be opening a can of worms that they can't then deal with. a can of ˈworms(informal) if you open up a can of worms, you start doing something that will cause a lot of problems and be very difficult: I think if we start asking questions we’ll open up a whole new can of worms. Perhaps we should just accept the situation.can of worms n. an intertwined set of problems; an array of difficulties. (Often with open.) When you brought that up, you opened a whole new can of worms. can of worms A complex or difficult problem. can of worms, it's a/like opening aIntroducing a complicated problem or unsolvable dilemma. The metaphor alludes to the live bait of fishermen. In a jar or other container, they form an inextricable tangle, wriggling and entwining themselves with one another. The term is American in origin, dating from the mid-twentieth century. |
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