open a can of whoop ass

English

Alternative forms

• open a can of whup ass
• open a can of whoop-ass

Etymology

From English whoop (variant of whip) + ass

Verb

open a can of whoop-ass

1. (idiomatic, slang, 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, 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.