ticking bomb

• 指一种若不加以解决，很可能在不久的将来变得危险或造成灾难性后果的局势或问题；也用于字面意义，指设定在特定时间引爆的爆炸装置。

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.

   定时炸弹

   • 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.

   定时炸弹

   • 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.