hit the fan
📖 generalMeaning
To cause a situation to become chaotic, public, and problematic, often when negative information is revealed. (Usually as part of 'when the s*** hits the fan'.)
Literal Meaning
For something (e.g., feces) to physically strike a rotating fan blade.
Example
“The CEO knew that when the news of the scandal hit the fan, there would be serious repercussions.”