open-pandora's-box
/ˌəʊ.pən pænˈdɔː.rəz bɒks/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To do something that causes many unexpected problems. It usually means you start trouble that is hard to stop or fix.
- The new rule opened Pandora's box.
- Talking about money opened Pandora's box.
- One small mistake can open Pandora's box.
Adinary Nuance
Open Pandora's box is stronger and more dramatic than simply 'cause problems' or 'start trouble'. Use it when one action creates many linked problems that spread fast. It sounds formal and often appears in writing, news, and speeches.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mở hộp Pandora
- Spanish
- abrir la caja de Pandora
- Chinese
- 打开潘多拉魔盒
- Japanese
- パンドラの箱を開ける
- Korean
- 판도라의 상자를 열다
Etymology
This comes from Greek myth about Pandora. When her box was opened, many troubles escaped into the world. English uses it from the 1600s as a warning about dangerous actions.
Common phrases
open a Pandora's boxopen Pandora's box of problemsthat could open Pandora's boxfear of opening Pandora's box
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is open Pandora's box formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and common in writing, news, and speeches.
- Is it the same as cause trouble?
- Not exactly. It suggests many serious problems, not just one problem.
- Can I use it in IELTS Writing?
- Yes. It works well when you describe a risky decision or policy.
- Do people use it in everyday speech?
- Yes, but it is more common in careful or serious talk.