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Frankenstein

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Frankenstein's monster

Something that harms or destroys its creator and cannot be controlled. A reference to the monster in the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. At first, my side business seemed like a good idea, but it has turned into Frankenstein's monster, eating away at my time and finances.

See also: monster

a Frankenstein's monster

something that cannot be controlled and that attacks or destroys the person who invented it

Usage notes: This phrase comes from the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Giving extra powers to the army turned it into a Frankenstein's monster that is now threatening to overthrow the ruling party.

See also: monster