American Idioms and Expressions

Opening A Can Of Worms Idiom

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

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Opening a can of worms
What does Opening a can of worms mean?
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.

Some Random Idioms
fill (someone`s) shoes
What does "fill (someone`s) shoes" mean?
to substitute for someone and be able to do a satisfactory jobAlthough he is a good supervisor he is unable to fill the shoes of those who came before him.
top-drawer
What does "top-drawer" mean?
to be of the best or most important kindWhen my friend buys a new car he always buys a top-drawer model.
set one back on one's heels
What does "set one back on one's heels" mean?
to surprise/shock/overwhelm someoneThe announcement on the school's loudspeaker set everyone back on their heels.
touch a raw nerve
What does "touch a raw nerve" mean?
to upset someone by talking about a subject that upsets or embarrasses him or her The criticism from the supervisor touched a raw nerve in the secretary.

in luck
What does "in luck" mean?
having good luck, finding something good by chanceI think that we are in luck. I was able to buy two tickets for the concert.
dyed-in-the-wool
What does "dyed-in-the-wool" mean?
permanent, stubborn The man is a dyed-in-the-wool conservative and will never change.

cheesed off
What does "cheesed off" mean?
to be annoyed I was cheesed off that I would not be able to go away for the weekend.

put on the dog
What does "put on the dog" mean?
to dress or entertain in an extravagant mannerThe couple put on the dog for the visit of their old college friend.
chew (someone) out
What does "chew (someone) out" mean?
to scold someoneThe girl began to chew her boyfriend out in the supermarket.
like lambs to the slaughter
What does "like lambs to the slaughter" mean?
quietly do something without realizing the danger/difficulties of the situationThe local basketball team went like lambs to the slaughter to meet the best team in the country.
reach first base with (someone or something)
What does "reach first base with (someone or something)" mean?
to make a major advance with someone or somethingThe salesperson was unable to reach first base with the large buyer.
everything humanly possible
What does "everything humanly possible" mean?
everything in the range of human powers The doctors did everything humanly possible to save the man after the accident.

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