open a can of whoop ass

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English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From English whoop (variant of whip) + ass.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (file)

Verb[edit]

open a can of whoop ass (third-person singular simple present opens a can of whoop ass, present participle opening a can of whoop ass, simple past and past participle opened a can of whoop ass)

  1. (idiomatic, slang, vulgar, US) A good-humored threat of physical harm.
    I'm gonna open up a can of whoop-ass on ya.
    • 1998, Robert Fletcher, “No rush to see new Chan”, in University Wire:
      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.

Synonyms[edit]