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
Words nearby time bomb
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]