time bomb


noun

a bomb constructed so as to explode at a certain time.
a situation, condition, etc., resembling such a bomb in having disastrous consequences in the future.

Origin of time bomb

First recorded in 1890–95

Example sentences from the Web for time bomb

  • "According to the time-bomb down below," repeated Mr. Conne, still sociably but with a keen, searching look.

    Tom Slade with the Colors |Percy K. Fitzhugh

British Dictionary definitions for time bomb

time bomb

noun

a bomb containing a timing mechanism that determines the time at which it will detonate
a situation which, if allowed to continue, will develop into a serious problem

Idioms and Phrases with time bomb

time bomb

A situation that threatens to have disastrous consequences at some future time, as in That departmental dispute is a time bomb just waiting to go off. This term alludes to an explosive device that is set to go off at a specific time. [First half of 1900s]