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 === === 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. ==== Synonyms ====