collision course

noun

1. a course of a moving object that will lead to a collision if it continues unchanged

• Hypernyms: ↑path, ↑track, ↑course

2. a course of action (following a given idea) that will lead to conflict if it continues unabated

• Hypernyms: ↑course, ↑course of action

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noun

: a course (as of a ship, plane, or antiaircraft shell) that will result in a collision if continued unaltered

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1. a course or path of a vehicle, projectile, etc., that, if unchanged, will lead to a collision with another object.

2. any plan, attitude, or course of action that leads to a confrontation or conflict with another.

[1940-45]

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collision course noun

A course which, if persisted in, will result in a collision (lit and figurative)

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Main Entry: ↑collide

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collision course,

1. a course taken by object, especially a ballistic missile, that will cause it to collide with its target.

2. any course that will result in a clash or conflict: »

The faint hope is on negotiations, but events are on a collision course (New York Times).

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noun

on a collision course

◇ Two people or things that are on a collision course are moving and will crash into each other if one of them doesn't change direction.

The two airplanes were on a collision course.

The comet was on a collision course with the planet.

— often used figuratively

The decision put us on a collision course with economic disaster.