pandora

open Pandora's box

Fig. to uncover a lot of unsuspected problems. When I asked Jane about her problems, I didn't know I had opened Pandora's box. You should be cautious with people who are upset. You don't want to open Pandora's box.

See also: box, open

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open a Pandora's box

to do something that causes a lot of new problems that you did not expect

Usage notes: In old Greek stories, Zeus (= the king of the gods) gave Pandora a box that he told her not to open, but she did open it and all the troubles in the world escaped from it.

(often + of ) Sadly, his reforms opened a Pandora's box of domestic problems.

See also: box, open

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open (a) Pandora's box

to start something that causes many new and unexpected problems They worry that any decision they make about testing will open a Pandora's box. What kind of Pandora's box do we open if we decide not arrest people who have committed a crime?

Etymology: based on an old Greek story in which a woman named Pandora opened a box containing all the troubles the world has experienced

See also: box, open