can of worms

In a literal sense a can of worms is a can filled with worms that are either real or more commonly compressed worm-shaped pieces of paper that are made so as to jump out when the can is opened (as a prank). The phrase is used as "The Can of Worms" as a local name for the intersection of Interstates 590 and 490 on the east side of Rochester, New York. As a saying it is generally used to explain a significant complication (for better or worse) of a situation or topic by referring to it, this situation or topic may be a subset of a topic or subject that preceded it. This saying is sometimes used following phrases such as: "open up another", "a whole other", "nothing but a" or similiar