Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms
means to create numerous new problems inadvertently while trying to
solve one.
Experts disagree on the origin of the phrase, but it is
generally believed to be a Canadian or American metaphor coined sometime in the 1950s. Bait stores routinely sold cans of worms
and other popular live baits to fishermen, who often discovered how
easy it was to open them and how difficult it was to close them. Once
the worms discovered an opportunity to escape, it became nearly impossible to keep them contained.
Some experts say the metaphor is a modern extension of Pandora's
Box. In the original story, a mortal was warned not to open a box
belonging to Pandora. When curiosity got the best of this mortal, she
opened the box and inadvertently released numerous plagues on the world.The one blessing in the box was Hope, but versions differ as to whether Pandora let Hope escape out into the world to help or if she kept it enclosed so that it not be lost. Either way, the idea is that Hope makes life bearable in the chaos we create around us by foolish choices. Apply it to any political or social situation that seems appropriate. There are so many!
Experts disagree on the origin of the phrase, but it is
generally believed to be a Canadian or American metaphor coined sometime in the 1950s. Bait stores routinely sold cans of worms
and other popular live baits to fishermen, who often discovered how
easy it was to open them and how difficult it was to close them. Once
the worms discovered an opportunity to escape, it became nearly impossible to keep them contained.
1 comment:
OK... blech!
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