ticking bomb

• Situación o problema que probablemente se volverá peligroso o catastrófico en un futuro cercano si no se resuelve. También se usa en sentido literal para referirse a un artefacto explosivo programado para detonar en un momento determinado.

A situation or problem that is likely to become dangerous or disastrous in the near future if not addressed. Also used literally to refer to an explosive device set to detonate at a specific time.

1. Literal explosive deviceB2formal

   A bomb that is set to explode at a specific time, often with an audible ticking sound.

   bomba de tiempo

   • The bomb squad was called to disarm the ticking bomb.
   • The movie begins with a ticking bomb in a crowded building.
   • They found a ticking bomb hidden in the basement.

2. Metaphorical dangerous situationB2informal

   A situation that is likely to become dangerous or problematic very soon.

   bomba de tiempo

   • The company's financial problems are a ticking bomb.
   • The political tension in the region is a ticking bomb.
   • His anger issues are a ticking bomb waiting to explode.