open a can of whoop ass
Start severe beating
To open a can of whoop ass is to unleash violent or aggressive action on someone—to beat them up or defeat them soundly.
The image is of ass-kicking stored under pressure, ready to be released: Keep talking and I'll open a can of whoop ass on you.
The phrase is humorous and hyperbolic, more often threatened than executed.
Sometimes shortened to whoop ass alone: Time to bring the whoop ass.
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- throw handsEngage in physical combat
- beatdownThorough physical or competitive defeat
- vengefulWanting to harm back
- throw downChallenge to a fight
smackdown · go ham · aggressive · confrontation · talk smack · take it outside · lay down the law · fight · showdown · no holds barred · action · kick butt · assault · attack · punishment · escalate · vengeance · retribution
open a can of whoop assmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
turn the other cheek · peaceful resolution · bury the hatchet · back down · kiss and make up
open a can of whoop asstake a beating
surrender · submit · cry uncle · beg for mercy · grovel
open a can of whoop assback down
Withdraw from a stance
walk away · retreat · stand down · turn tail · chicken out
opens, opened, opening, opener, openers, openness, openly, reopen, reopened