Pandora's box

noun

1. a source of extensive but unforeseen troubles or problems:

   The senate investigation turned out to be a Pandora's box for the administration.

Pandora's box

1. In classical mythology , a box that Zeus gave to Pandora, the first woman, with strict instructions that she not open it. Pandora's curiosity soon got the better of her, and she opened the box. All the evils and miseries of the world flew out to afflict mankind.

Notes

To “open a Pandora's box” is to create an uncontrollable situation that will cause great grief.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pandora's box¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Idioms and Phrases

A source of unforeseen trouble, as in Revising the tax code is opening a Pandora's box . This equivalent for the modern can of worms comes from the Greek legend in which Pandora, entrusted with a box containing the world's ills, is overcome by curiosity and opens it, thereby releasing them. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

“In my view there is a grave danger that if you once open Pandora’s Box shutting it will be impossible.”

From BBC

I get that now, after wandering around the New Mexico town that is synonymous with clichés like “cautionary tale” and “Pandora’s box” and “be careful what you wish for.”

From Los Angeles Times

The "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" star likened AI to Pandora’s box, saying, "It's out there now. We're gonna have to deal with the consequences."

From Salon

What I fear is that the Republicans will open a Pandora’s Box of dirty tricks to try to overturn a Democratic win.

From Salon

He acknowledges that he’s concerned about the threats to LGBTQ+ rights in America, but says, “You can't close up the Pandora's Box, once it's opened. We're not going to go backward. That's ridiculous.”

From Salon