How to convey "opening a can of worms" in Spanish?

Question

The idiomatic expression "to open a can of worms" means to try to solve a problem, only to create more problems out of it or to get into a lot of trouble as a consequence of trying to fix this problem in the first place.

From How Did the Term "Open a Can of Worms" Originate?

Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms is to examine or attempt to solve some problem, only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble. Literally speaking, opening a can of worms, as most fishermen can attest, can also mean more trouble than you bargained for.

And in wiktionary

(idiomatic) A complex, troublesome situation arising when a decision or action produces considerable subsequent problems.

• If someone gets a promotion that might not be deserved, it could open up a whole can of worms with the other employees.

(idiomatic) A troublesome situation; an issue whose resolution is difficult or contentious but not necessarily complex.

• Questioning the decision would definitely open a can of worms.

Is there a equivalent in Spanish for this idiom apart from referring to Pandora's box? Something that means "to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems".

Answer 1

On thing that comes to my mind resembling the counterproductive nature of an outcome (with the opposite result achieved to one's porpoise) is the idiom:

Ir por lana y salir trasquilado (see it here)

Another one that is connected to "opening a can of worms", for the undesired troubles that are brought to oneself, is

Meterse en camisa de once varas. (as explained [here])2

Say for someone objecting his director's resolution, which opened a can of worms for himself

Al objetar la decisión del directór, 'se metió en camisa de once varas'

Also, in a similar sense, to unwillingly find oneself in a worse off situation, despite how good intentions might existed , there is the saying

Meter(se) en un brete {source explanation)

For example*: "El ascenso de cargo lo puso en un brete en la oficina, porque varios de sus compañeros desaprobaron lo que consideraban una promoción laboral injusta"

Answer 2

I don't know why you don't like or don't find it useful to say "abrir la caja de Pandora", which seems to render the meaning quite closely.

Some additional suggestions:

• salirle a alguien el tiro por la culata (Source)

The only problem here is that the action was considered negative from the beginning. There is, on the part of the speaker, a hint of justice having been done.

This might be more accurate:

• meterse en un berenjenal (Source)

«Meterse en un berenjenal.» Nota: Crear problemas o dificultades a alguien o a uno mismo.