What does “Pandora's box” mean?
"Pandora's box" means a situation or action that, once initiated, leads to unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Opening up that old box of memories was like opening Pandora's box.
Example
His decision to invest in that risky venture turned out to be Pandora's box.
Example
The leaked information became Pandora's box for the company, leading to a major scandal
Is “Pandora's box” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Pandora's box” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Pandora's box” effectively in context?
You can use "Pandora's box" to describe a situation or action that has unexpected and negative consequences. It emphasizes the idea that once something is unleashed, it cannot be easily contained or controlled. For example, if someone decides to investigate a sensitive issue, you might say, 'Be careful, you might be opening "Pandora's box".'
- 1Personal Relationships
Revealing the truth about his past was like opening Pandora's box, causing a lot of pain and turmoil.
- 2Financial Decisions
Investing in that risky venture turned out to be Pandora's box, leading to financial ruin.
- 3Corporate Secrets
The leaked information became Pandora's box for the company, leading to a major scandal and loss of trust.
Similar phrases to “Pandora's box”:
Pandora's jar
An alternative version of the idiom, referring to the original Greek myth where Pandora was given a jar instead of a box
Example
Her decision to confront her past was like opening Pandora's jar, releasing all the hidden emotions.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Pandora's box” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Pandora's box" comes from Greek mythology. According to the myth, Pandora was the first woman on Earth. She was given a box by the gods and instructed never to open it. However, her curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the box, releasing all the evils and miseries into the world. The phrase 'Pandora's box' is now used to describe a situation or action that leads to unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences.
Is “Pandora's box” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Pandora's box" is a well-known and frequently used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where the consequences of an action or decision are far-reaching and difficult to control.
What tone does “Pandora's box” have?
"Pandora's box" conveys a tone of warning and caution. It suggests that opening up certain situations or taking certain actions can have severe and unintended consequences.
Can “Pandora's box” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Pandora's box" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized expression that conveys the idea of unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'His decision to invest in that risky venture turned out to be "Pandora's box".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You're opening "Pandora's box"!' to imply the potential negative consequences of someone's actions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- can of worms
- unforeseen consequences
- unintended repercussions
- ripple effect
- butterfly effect
Antonyms
- controlled outcome
- predictable result
- expected consequences
- contained situation
- limited impact
