A Ticking Time Bomb

🗓️ Idiom: A Ticking Time Bomb (n)

💬 Meaning

• A situation or problem that is likely to become serious or dangerous soon.
• Something that will cause trouble if not dealt with quickly.

🧠 Example Sentences

• The company’s outdated safety systems are a ticking time bomb for accidents.
• Ignoring employee complaints can be a ticking time bomb for management.
• The unresolved legal issues are a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

🏛️ Origin

This idiom comes from bombs that have a timer counting down before they explode. It is used to describe situations likely to cause big problems if not fixed in time.

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blank:
The company’s poor data security is a ________ that could lead to a serious breach.

2. Multiple choice:
What does “a ticking time bomb” mean?
a) Something that will cause trouble soon
b) A device for security
c) A slow process

3. Change the sentence using “a ticking time bomb”:
“The company’s unpaid debts could cause serious problems soon.”

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