to inadvertently trigger additional problems or reveal related issues while addressing a specific situation

处理这种复杂的历史遗留问题，往往会拔出萝卜带出泥，引发许多连锁反应。

to uncover evidence of additional crimes or other people's involvement during a criminal investigation

警方在调查这起贪污案时，拔出萝卜带出泥，又发现了几名涉案官员。