Idiom Breakdown

open a can of whoop ass

USSLANGVULGAR American English

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Definition

A good-humored threat of physical harm.

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Origins

From English whoop (variant of whip) + ass.

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In Context

"I'm gonna open up a can of whoop-ass on ya."
"Chan stars in his first all-American production as chan as Hong Kong Detective Inspector Lee, a noble, innocent and caring police officer who can really bust open a can of whoop-ass when given the chance."

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Also Said As

break out a can of kick-ass
break out a can of whoop ass
break out a can of whoop-ass
bust open a can of kick-ass
bust open a can of whoop ass
bust open a can of whoop-ass
open a can of kick-ass
open up a can of kick-ass