Pandora's box
Meaning
A source of extensive and unforeseen troubles or problems once opened or unleashed.
Origin
In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus, fuming over Prometheus's audacious theft of fire, plotted a cunning retribution for humanity. He commanded the gods to create Pandora, the first woman, endowing her with irresistible beauty and a dangerous curiosity. As a "wedding gift," she received a mysterious jar (later mistranslated as a "box") with a strict warning never to open it. Yet, her curiosity proved too powerful. With trembling hands, Pandora lifted the lid, unleashing all the world's evils—sickness, sorrow, and strife—to forever plague mankind. In a desperate scramble, she managed to snap the lid shut, trapping only Hope at the very bottom, leaving humanity with the enduring lesson of unforeseen and catastrophic consequences.
Examples
- When the politician decided to reveal the controversial details, he unknowingly opened Pandora's box, unleashing a wave of public outrage and internal party conflict.
- Ignoring the warnings, the company's decision to cut corners on safety regulations proved to be Pandora's box, leading to a series of disastrous accidents and a massive lawsuit.