Question of the Day #1077

ComfortDelGro's surge pricing option may open a can of worms

From the headline of this article at The Straits Times.

  上記の文で、open a can of wormsの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "open a can of worms" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

厄介な問題を引き起こす、災いを呼ぶ、収拾のつかない事態を引き起こす、パンドラの箱をあけてしまう◆【語源】a can of worms は「釣り餌用の虫の入ったカン」のことで、それを開けると、虫がぞろぞろと出てくるので、すぐに蓋を閉めないと厄介なことになる。

   

Answer

According to Merriam-Webster:

to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems

 

Examples

• Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn't want to open a can of worms.
• Connecting to databases often open a can of worms. —Frederick Daso, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021
• The professor opened a can of worms by saying that alcohol is more dangerous than cannabis or ecstasy.
• She is afraid that she will open a can of worms if she speaks out about the problem.
• The investigation of the police chief opened a can of worms at the police department.

   

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