Pandora's box

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomfigurative

   A source of many unexpected and serious problems that begin once it is started or disturbed.

   Grammar: Almost always used with open or opening: open Pandora's box.

   Patterns

   • open Pandora's box
   • a Pandora's box of something

   Reopening the old investigation could open Pandora's box.

   The new technology may be a Pandora's box of ethical problems.

   Changing one rule opened a Pandora's box of requests.

2. 2proper nounproperliterary

   In Greek myth, the container that Pandora opened, letting loose all evils into the world.

   Grammar: Used when retelling the myth: Pandora's box.

   In the myth, Pandora's box held every trouble.

   The story of Pandora's box ends with hope remaining inside.

   Students read about Pandora's box in the Greek myths unit.

Common combinations

open Pandora's box

Asking about salaries may open Pandora's box.

a Pandora's box of problems

The merger was a Pandora's box of problems.

unleash a Pandora's box

The leak unleashed a Pandora's box of rumors.

keep Pandora's box closed

He preferred to keep Pandora's box closed.

Pandora's box of troubles

The decision was a Pandora's box of troubles.

Synonyms and how they differ

can of worms

Can of worms is more informal and often means a messy, complicated situation rather than a disastrous one.

hornet's nest

Hornet's nest stresses angry reactions, while Pandora's box emphasizes problems once released that cannot be undone.

minefield

Minefield is a risky area with hidden dangers, not a source that releases trouble.

Word family

Pandora proper noun

the first woman in Greek myth

box noun

a container

Commonly confused: Pandora's box or can of worms?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “Pandora's box”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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