can of worms...

scully931 · Jul 12, 2008

Hi there,

I need some help coming up with another, more formal, way of saying 'opening a can of worms.' This is for a fantasy and they don't have our slang, of course. The woman speaking is about to bring up a subject that is quite sensitive and will have great ramifications. I appreciate any help in the matter. Thank you!

Minister · Jul 12, 2008

"Opening Pandora's box" is another expression with similar (though not identical) ramifications. It would almost surprise me if your fantasy world didn't have a similar expression. There's no reason why you can't make one up, something that fits with the history/mythology/religion of your world, so long as it's clear in context what it means -- little details like that can often add depth and richness to your setting without increasing the wordcount.

Mr Flibble · Jul 12, 2008

Stirring up a hornet's nest?

Liosse de Velishaf · Jul 12, 2008

We don't know your story. Base the statement on your history and/or mythology. Not much esle to say.

ASRafferty · Jul 12, 2008

"step off the cliff"....?

That feels pretty universal (unless, of course, in that world they don't name kids "Cliff" anymore <g>)

Georganna Hancock · Jul 12, 2008

Cliches abound here!

What's wrong with stating it in plain English, rather than reverting to time-worn sayings?

"I hesitate to bring up a controversial topic, but ... "

"I know this is a sensitive issue ... "

Matera the Mad · Jul 12, 2008

Just think of something in your world that you wouldn't want to aggravate. I wouldn't want to throw rocks at dragons, set the king's jammies on fire, or shove a cartload of dung downhill into a crowded market.

scully931 · Jul 12, 2008

Well, you have me thinking here... see the character doesn't actually say they're 'opening a can of worms' or whatever. It's in the narration. So, what do you think about using a recognizable phrase in the narration when the characters themselves wouldn't use it. It seems 'off' to me.

By the way, thanks for the suggestions!

Dale Emery · Jul 12, 2008

I don't think the phrases "stirring a hornets nest" and "throwing rocks at dragons" carry the same meaning as opening a can of worms. The problem with opening a can of worms is not that it aggravates the worms.

The problem is that it removes some restraint that holds back a mess, the unrestrained mess may spread of its own accord, the mess may not be easily contained by other means, and the original restraint may not be easily re-applied. I'll bet there's something like that in your world, and perhaps the people in your culture would have a cliche for it.

Dale

L.C. Blackwell · Jul 12, 2008

She felt a sense of deadly current held back by a fragile dam, as if when she spoke, the dam would crumble, a mass of water would be unleashed to dash across nameless boundaries; what was spoken could never be returned.

Alpha Echo · Jul 13, 2008

Matera the Mad said:
Just think of something in your world that you wouldn't want to aggravate. I wouldn't want to throw rocks at dragons, set the king's jammies on fire, or shove a cartload of dung downhill into a crowded market.

Oh, good suggestion! Kind of like an inside joke between your characters and readers...without author intrusion.

scully931 · Jul 13, 2008

Those are great (and varied) suggestions. Thanks, everyone!

regdog · Jul 13, 2008

How about
"I'm going to say what has to be said and what happens, happens" :Shrug:

Chrisla · Jul 13, 2008

Dale Emery said:
I don't think the phrases "stirring a hornets nest" and "throwing rocks at dragons" carry the same meaning as opening a can of worms. The problem with opening a can of worms is not that it aggravates the worms.

The problem is that it removes some restraint that holds back a mess, the unrestrained mess may spread of its own accord, the mess may not be easily contained by other means, and the original restraint may not be easily re-applied. I'll bet there's something like that in your world, and perhaps the people in your culture would have a cliche for it.

Dale

Good point and well said, Dale.

Bufty · Jul 15, 2008

I'm not sure why it has to go in the narration at all. I'm sure you have a reason for it, but won't the reader get what is happening without being told?

scully931 said:
Well, you have me thinking here... see the character doesn't actually say they're 'opening a can of worms' or whatever. It's in the narration. So, what do you think about using a recognizable phrase in the narration when the characters themselves wouldn't use it. It seems 'off' to me.

By the way, thanks for the suggestions!

can of worms...

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

Minister

Unpredictable preacher

Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

Liosse de Velishaf

ASRafferty

Georganna Hancock

she's back!

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

Dale Emery

is way off topic

L.C. Blackwell

Keeper of Fort Blanket

Alpha Echo

I should be writing.

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

regdog

The Scavengers

Chrisla

practical experience, FTW

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?