🗓️ 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- The company’s outdated safety systems are a ticking time bomb for accidents.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.
Answer
ticking time bomb
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
Answer
a) Something that will cause trouble soon
3. Change the sentence using “a ticking time bomb”:
“The company’s unpaid debts could cause serious problems soon.”
Answer
The company’s unpaid debts are a ticking time bomb.