ticking bomb

• Situation ou problème qui risque fort de devenir dangereux ou catastrophique dans un avenir proche s'il n'est pas résolu. S'emploie aussi au sens propre pour désigner un engin explosif programmé pour exploser à un moment donné.

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.

   bombe à retardement

   • 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.

   bombe à retardement

   • 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.