disaster

disaster of epic proportions

Cliché a very large disaster. (Often jocular.) The earthquake was responsible for a disaster of epic proportions. Your late arrival caused a disaster of epic proportions.

See also: proportion

spell disaster Fig.

to indicate or predict disaster. What a horrible plan! It would spell disaster for all of us!

See also: fig, spell

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a disaster area 

1. if a place is a disaster area, it is very untidy

Usage notes: A disaster area is also a place where an event like a storm or a flood causes serious damage and the government gives help for the emergency.

The kitchen was a disaster area, with greasy plates piled high in the sink.

2. if a subject, a piece of work, or an organization is a disaster area, it causes many problems, often because it is badly organized Government housing policy is a complete disaster area.

See also: area

be a [crisis/disaster etc.] in the making

if something is a crisis, disaster etc. in the making, it is likely to develop into that thing What we're witnessing here is a disaster in the making.

See also: making

be a recipe for [disaster/happiness/success etc.]

if something is a recipe for disaster, happiness, success etc., it is very likely to cause this Living with your husband's family is a recipe for disaster.