time bomb
noun
1
: a bomb so made as to explode at a predetermined time
2
: something with a potentially dangerous or detrimental delayed reaction
Examples of time bomb in a Sentence
He's a time bomb getting ready to explode.
If we don't do something about the pollution problem, we'll be sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Recent Examples on the Web
Furthermore, as the global energy demand continues to rise, especially in emerging economies which have very limited energy security, which makes the fossil fuel dependency a ticking time bomb.
—
Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Books Orwell’s 5 greatest essays: No. 1, ‘Politics and the English Language’
Nov. 8, 2013
Some Wodehouse lines are like time bombs, detonating with a momentary delay.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Because, as is, Butler is an expensive veteran with an expiring contract — a time bomb.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Sign up for Axios Future of Defense Sam Sabin
Mar 14, 2025 - Technology
Malware's AI time bomb
Hackers already have the AI tools needed to create the adaptable, destructive malware that security experts fear.
—Sam Sabin, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for time bomb
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Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Books Orwell’s 5 greatest essays: No. 1, ‘Politics and the English Language’
Nov. 8, 2013
Some Wodehouse lines are like time bombs, detonating with a momentary delay.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Because, as is, Butler is an expensive veteran with an expiring contract — a time bomb.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Sign up for Axios Future of Defense Sam Sabin
Mar 14, 2025 - Technology
Malware's AI time bomb
Hackers already have the AI tools needed to create the adaptable, destructive malware that security experts fear.
—Sam Sabin, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for time bomb
Cite this Entry
“Time bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time%20bomb. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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