APAD:Opening a can of worms

Opening a can of worms

"Can of worms"  refers to a problem that, when addressed, leads to many more related problems. 

To open a can of worms refers to create a complex, confusing, or troublesome situation by taking a specific action. For example, questioning a policy might "open a can of worms" with unintended consequences.  

If you open a can of worms, you do something that will cause a lot of problems and is, on balance, probably going to cause more trouble than it's worth.

 The idiom comes from the idea that when a can of fishing worms is opened, the worms are difficult to control and wriggle everywhere. 

• Fixing a small computer bug that then reveals five new software problems. 
• A conversation about a sensitive topic like politics or a controversial decision, which could lead to arguments. 
• Giving a promotion that might seem to solve one problem but causes a backlash and more complaints from other employees.