[spell] disaster
1
to predict a severe, harmful or catastrophic event or outcome
the idiom "spell disaster" has originated from the figurative use of "spell" as a verb meaning to signify or foretell, the phrase "spell disaster" is a metaphorical expression indicating that something is likely to result in a catastrophe, misfortune, or failure. It is used to convey the idea that a particular situation or action will have dire consequences. Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts, it serves as a warning or a prediction of impending trouble, emphasizing the severity of the potential outcome.
- The large cracks in the dam spelled disaster for the nearby town.
- I fear that the rising sea levels may spell disaster for low-lying coastal cities.
- The captain knew that the approaching storm spelled disaster for their ship.
- Her parents were concerned that her association with the wrong crowd spelled disaster for her future.
- The pilot knew that the malfunctioning engine spelled disaster for the flight.