accident waiting to happen: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘accident waiting to happen’ mean?
The idiom "accident waiting to happen" is used to describe a situation or action that is likely to result in a negative or dangerous outcome. It implies that the circumstances are precarious and that it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *just in case* means to do something as a precaution or in preparation for a possible future event or situation.
The idiom "just in case" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to convey the idea of taking preventative measures or being prepared for a possible future event or circumstance.
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" means being in a situation where something bad happens due to unfortunate timing or circumstances.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
In the nick of time is an English idiom that describes an action or event that happens just in time to prevent something negative from occurring. It emphasizes the narrow margin or last-minute nature of the occurrence.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "have an accident" refers to unintentionally causing or experiencing a mishap, usually resulting in injury or damage.
The idiom "happen along" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It consists of the verb "happen" and the preposition "along," forming a complete phrase with its own distinct meaning.
The idiom "had better" is used to advise or warn someone about a particular action they should take in order to avoid a negative outcome. It implies a sense of urgency or necessity, often indicating that there may be negative consequences if the suggested action is not followed.
Tragic Foretelling
The idiom "accident waiting to happen" is a widely used expression in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation or a person that is likely to result in an accident or disaster. This phrase conveys a sense of inevitability and imminent danger.
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it can be traced back to the mid-20th century. Although there are no definitive sources pinpointing its exact birth, it gained popularity and became more widely known during that time.
This idiomatic phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation and written language. It is often employed to express concern or caution about a potentially dangerous situation. For example, it can be used to describe a poorly maintained building or a road with hazardous conditions, where an accident is likely to occur.
Additionally, this idiom can also be used to refer to a person who consistently engages in reckless behavior or displays a lack of caution. Such individuals are highly likely to experience an accident or disaster. In this context, the idiom serves as a warning or a criticism.
The phrase "accident waiting to happen" is a figurative language that uses words in a non-literal way. It metaphorically draws a parallel between a situation or a person and the inevitability of an accident or disaster.
Native English speakers easily comprehend the meaning of this idiom. It effectively conveys a sense of anticipation and warns of potential dangers. By using this idiom, speakers can communicate their concerns or highlight risky situations.
The idiom "accident waiting to happen" is just one of many idiomatic expressions that warn of potential accidents or disasters. Other related idioms include "have an accident," "in the wrong place at the wrong time," "chances are," and "as it happens."
The idiom "have an accident" is used to describe the act of experiencing an accident. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from minor mishaps to major catastrophes. When someone is labeled "an accident waiting to happen," it means that they are highly prone to experiencing accidents.
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" refers to being in a location where an unfortunate event or accident is likely to occur. It suggests that the individual is unlucky or unfortunate in their timing or placement, leading to potential accidents or disasters.
When someone says "chances are," they are expressing the likelihood or probability of something happening. In the context of discussing accidents, saying "chances are" implies that the probability of an accident occurring is high or likely.
The idiom "as it happens" is often used to introduce information that is relevant or coincidental to the topic at hand. In the context of accidents, saying "as it happens" can be used to provide additional details or examples related to accidents waiting to happen.
The idiom "accident waiting to happen" is a widely used expression in the English language. Its origin may be uncertain, but its meaning and usage are well understood. It serves as a cautionary phrase that highlights situations or individuals that are prone to accidents, making it an invaluable part of our language.
Example usage
An accident waiting to happen can be used in the following examples:
- Driving with worn-out tires is an accident waiting to happen.
- Leaving a lit candle unattended is an accident waiting to happen.
- Installing faulty electrical wiring is an accident waiting to happen.
More "Danger" idioms
