disaster

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.

See also: success

a disaster area

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