Pandora's box

English

Proper noun

Pandora's box

  1. (Greek mythology) A box given to Pandora by Zeus, whose instructions stated that it must not be opened, and were then ignored, leading to disastrous consequences.

Noun

Pandora's box (plural Pandora's boxes)

  1. (idiomatic) A source of unforeseen trouble.
    • 1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “The Morality of Diamonds”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 16:
      There was an evil in Pandora's box
      Beyond all other ones, yet it came forth
      In guise so lovely, that men crowded round
      And sought it as the dearest of all treasure.

Translations

See also
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