Phrases Conversational Starters and Small Talk

That's a can of worms.

C2

Meaning

That's a complex and potentially problematic situation.

Example sentences

John: I think we should investigate this further.

Alice: I'm not sure, John. It looks like that's a can of worms we don't want to open.

John: But we need to know the truth.

Alice: I understand, but we should carefully consider the consequences. This could be that's a can of worms.