spell trouble

idiom

: to cause problems
This decision could spell trouble for all of us.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Duke wears teams down with its defense but has had trouble scoring, which could spell trouble. Ellen J. Horrow, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2023 Experts tell Fortune that the pullback from financial institutions could spell trouble for the already reeling industry. Byleo Schwartz, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2023 But negative weights spell trouble for Dijkstra’s greedy strategy. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 18 Jan. 2023 An increasing number of electric models have dropped AM radio in what broadcasters call a worrisome shift that could spell trouble for the stations and deprive drivers of a crucial source of news in emergencies. Michael Levenson, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2022 Anything close to that figure could spell trouble for Snowflake. The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2022 One more injury could spell trouble for the Stars, who are up against the salary cap. Dallas News, 3 Nov. 2022 Will Simone Clark spell trouble for John and Bailey? Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Sep. 2022 That could spell trouble for Republican leaders like Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the man who would be speaker, and their ability to govern. Jonathan Weisman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spell trouble.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near spell trouble

Cite this Entry

“Spell trouble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spell%20trouble. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

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