The phrase "opened can of worms" is commonly used to describe a situation that has become complicated and difficult to handle. The spelling of this phrase follows regular English phonetic rules, with "o" being pronounced as /oʊpənd kæn əv wɜrmz/. The sounds in the phrase consist of several diphthongs, including /oʊ/ and /əv/, and a few consonant clusters such as /pld/ and /rmz/. The phrase is simply spelled as it is pronounced, making it easy for English speakers to understand its meaning.
"Opened can of worms" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation that was initially hidden or suppressed but, upon investigation or intervention, has led to a series of difficult or unmanageable problems or complexities. The phrase is derived from the notion of a literal can filled with live worms that, once opened, can be difficult to contain or control.
The metaphorical meaning of "opened can of worms" refers to an action or revelation that unexpectedly reveals a multitude of issues or complications, often resulting in confusion, disorder, or controversy. It implies that attempting to address a particular matter or attempting to solve a problem has inadvertently introduced several additional challenges or difficulties that were not previously evident.
Furthermore, opening a can of worms suggests that the situation has become more complicated and troublesome than initially anticipated, typically due to the interconnected nature of the issues or the unforeseen consequences involved. The phrase highlights the idea that once a can of worms is opened, it becomes challenging to close it again, as the problems unveiled may be interdependent and require an intricate approach to resolve.
Overall, "opened can of worms" denotes the initiation or exposure of a problematic situation that is convoluted, overwhelming, or unmanageable, often surprising those involved by the extent or complexity of the issues that arise.