open a can of whoop ass

English

Alternative forms

open a can of whup ass, open a can of whoop-ass, open up a can of whoop ass, open up a can of whoop-ass

Etymology

From English whoop (variant of whip) + ass.

Pronunciation

Audio (US) (file)
Audio (AU) (file)

Verb

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)

(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

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

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