Meaning of Idiom ‘An Accident Waiting to Happen’
An accident waiting to happen is a dangerous situation that is certain to cause an accident or cause something to go wrong. This expression usually refers to negligence, carelessness, bad planning, wrong procedures, etc. 1Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010. 2McCarthy, Michael. Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms. Cambridge University Press, 2002
Although this idiom often refers to situations, a person who is habitually clumsy and careless in their actions might be referred to as ‘an accident waiting to happen.’
Sentence Examples
“The main stretch of road I use to get to work is an accident waiting to happen. There are no red lights at the intersection and the people drive like maniacs.”
“My uncle Davey is an accident waiting to happen. He’s always working on project in his garage and he pays no attention to safety. He gets hurt at least once a week.”
“Another trip to the emergency room! This kid is an accident waiting to happen.”
“Captain Boone, why did you ground Lieutenant Isaacs?” “Because she was an accident waiting to happen.” — JAG: Crossing the Line (1997)
“Looks like we got an open sewer line here. Now there’s an accident waiting to happen.”— Killer Pad (2008)
“You’re trusting my brother with your camera?” “Why not?” “He’s an accident waiting to happen.” — The Wild Stallion (2009)
“This banister is a terrible accident waiting to happen. A child could get his head stuck.” — Last Man Standing: Last Baby Proof Standing (2011)
“Rumor has it the park’s going to shut down Pharaoh’s Fever for good. You know anything about that? Newspaper called it “A Death Trap.” An “Accident waiting to happen.”” — CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Turn of the Screws (2004)
“Look at this guy’s record. He’s the poster child for social deviants — like an accident waiting to happen.” — Medium: An Everlasting Love (2010)
“There’s a lot more work to be done around here. The porch is an accident waiting to happen.”— Men In Trees: The Indecent Proposal (2007)
“Don’t you have a chainsaw?” “Oh, are you kidding me? Those things are accidents waiting to happen.” — Northern Exposure: Hello, I Love You (1994)
Origin
Used since at least 1915.
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