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):

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• Audio (General Australian):

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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)

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

• 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