Example: If you open Pandora's box, many problems may start.
Definition
"To open Pandora's box" means to perform an action that seems small or innocent but actually causes many unforeseen and uncontrollable problems or complications. It is often used to warn against initiating something that may lead to negative consequences.
Translations
abrir la caja de Pandora
een doos van Pandora openen
obrir la caixa de Pandora
ouvrir la boîte de Pandore
die Büchse der Pandora öffnen
Etymology
The phrase "to open Pandora's box" originates from Greek mythology. Pandora was the first woman on Earth, and she was given a box (actually a jar) that she was told not to open. Curiosity got the better of her, and when she opened it, all the evils of the world escaped. Did you know that despite the common term 'box,' the original Greek word was 'pithos', meaning jar?
Learn to use this expression actively
"To open Pandora's box" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select English as the language you want to learn.
