collision

be on a collision course

Of a person, group, or object, to be on a certain path to conflict, collision, destruction, or ruin with someone or something else. The radical coalition is set to be on a collision course with the majority government this year. Little did the passengers know that their train was on a collision course with disaster.

See also: collision, course, on

on a collision course

Of a person, group, or object, on a certain path to conflict, collision, destruction, or ruin with someone or something else. The radical left-wing coalition is set to be on a collision course with the majority conservative government this January. Little did the passengers know that they were riding a train on a collision course with disaster.

See also: collision, course, on

on a collision course

adopting an approach that is certain to lead to conflict with another person or group.

This phrase is also used literally to mean ‘going in a direction that will lead to a violent crash with another moving object or person’.

See also: collision, course, on

be on a colˈlision course (with somebody/something)

1 be in a situation which is almost certain to cause a disagreement or dispute: I was on a collision course with my boss over the sales figures.
2 be moving in a direction in which it is likely that you will crash into somebody/something: The ship was on a collision course with a huge iceberg.

See also: collision, course, on