open Pandora's box
Start unstoppable catastrophe
To open Pandora's box is to do something that unleashes unforeseen troubles or complications.
From the Greek myth in which Pandora opens a forbidden container, releasing all evils into the world.
The phrase implies that some actions, once taken, cannot be undone: Legalizing that drug would open Pandora's box.
Often shortened to a Pandora's box of problems.
- domino effectSequential causation phenomenon
- EpimetheusGreek titan of afterthought
- butterfly effectSmall inputs, disproportionate results
- curiosityDesire to learn
- jarWide-mouthed storage vessel
morality · Zeus · risk-taking · fallout · hope · repercussions · unintended consequences · law of unintended consequences · chain reaction · snowballing · slippery slope · ethics · cautionary tales · human nature · impulsiveness · dilemmas · cautionary tale · decision-making
open Pandora's boxmake a mountain out of a molehill
Exaggerate trivial problems drastically
open Pandora's boxleave well enough alone
Avoid unnecessary interference
let sleeping dogs lie · nip it in the bud · hold the line · dodge a bullet · stay the course
open Pandora's boxerr on the side of caution
Prefer safety over risk
bite one's tongue · hold one's fire · play it safe · keep one's powder dry · tread carefully
open, opens, opened, opening, opener, openers, openly, openness, reopen