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Pandora's box

Πανδώρα (Pandōra, “'all-gifted'”)
Something that, once opened, unleashes many problems

Pandora's box: once opened, troubles pour out. In the myth, only hope stayed inside.

The story

Pandora, the first woman in Greek myth, was given a jar (later called a box) and told not to open it. She did, and every evil flew out into the world. Only hope stayed inside.

The Texas version

Bringing up politics at Thanksgiving in Waco. Pandora's box.

Use it at work

Changing the billing model mid-quarter could open a Pandora's box. Map the risks first.

Practice it in Skepsis

More from “Myths at the Mall”

NikeThe Greek goddess of victoryAchilles' heelA single weak spot in someone strongTrojan horseA gift or tool that hides an attack insideodysseyA long, eventful journeypanicSudden, wild fearechoA sound that bounces backnarcissistSomeone obsessed with themselfmentorA trusted guide and advisoratlasA book of mapstantalizeTo tease with something just out of reachherculeanNeeding enormous strength or effort