The idiomatic expression "a time bomb" refers to a person, situation, or thing that has the potential to cause sudden and significant problems, damage, or danger at a later point in time. The danger is often hidden or not immediately apparent, but it is building up and will eventually explode or manifest in a harmful way.
The origin of the phrase is literal, referring to an explosive device set to detonate at a specific time. Its figurative use emerged in the 20th century, mirroring the anxiety associated with the real-world threat of delayed-action explosives.
The register is generally neutral, although its impact can be dramatic depending on the context. It can be used in formal reporting or casual conversation to express a sense of impending crisis.
"A time bomb" can be modified with adjectives (e.g., "a social time bomb," "a ticking time bomb") to specify the nature of the potential problem. It can also be used with verbs indicating the delay or buildup of the problem (e.g., "sitting on a time bomb").
Over-literal use, such as describing a situation where the danger is immediate and obvious, sounds unnatural. It's also odd to use it for minor inconveniences; the phrase implies a significant negative outcome.
"My arse is a time bomb, lads." — The New Yorker
""Steroids are a time bomb," she said." — The New York Times
"Pakistan is a time bomb." — The Washington Post
""Falluja is a time bomb"" — The New York Times
"Obesity: a time bomb to be defused." — Nature
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/a+time+bomb
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| a disaster waiting to happen | Highlights the inevitability of a negative outcome. |
| a recipe for disaster | Emphasizes the combination of factors leading to a bad outcome. |
| a looming crisis | Focuses on the impending nature of a difficult situation. |
| a powder keg | Suggests a situation that could explode violently at any moment. |
| a can of worms | Describes a situation that is deceptively complex and problematic. |
| a Pandora's box | Suggests a source of many unforeseen troubles. |
| an accident waiting to happen | Implies negligence or poor planning will lead to a negative outcome. |
A common mistake is to use "a time bomb" when describing something that is already causing problems. The expression specifically denotes something that will cause problems in the future. Learners often misunderstand the figurative meaning and interpret it literally, or they use it in contexts where a more direct expression of potential danger would be more appropriate.
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| a time bomb | A person, situation, or thing with the potential to cause sudden and significant problems or danger in the future. | Neutral | Situations of immediate, obvious danger; minor inconveniences. |
While the phrase originates from the literal meaning of an explosive device, it is almost exclusively used figuratively in modern English. You're far more likely to encounter it describing a political situation or a health condition than an actual explosive.
Both phrases describe impending negative events, but "a time bomb" implies a delayed reaction and a potentially sudden, explosive outcome. "A disaster waiting to happen" focuses on the inevitability of the disaster, regardless of timing or intensity.
Avoid using "a time bomb" when the danger is immediate and obvious, or when describing minor problems. The phrase suggests a significant, future threat that is currently hidden or underestimated. Learners often misunderstand the figurative meaning and interpret it literally, or they use it in contexts where a more direct expression of potential danger would be more appropriate.
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