escalate

escalate into (something)

To worsen into a new situation or problem. What he thinks is a moment of constructive criticism often escalates into an argument with his daughter. Please don't let this little squabble escalate into a major rift between you two. If Diane's in a bad mood, any exchange with her is liable to escalate into a fight. Consider yourself warned.

See also: escalate

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

escalate into something

to intensify into something; to increase gradually into something. This argument is going to escalate into something serious very soon. These cases of the flu could escalate into a real epidemic.

See also: escalate

escalate something into something

to cause something to intensify. He escalated the argument into a vicious fight. The dictator tried to escalate the disagreement into a cause for war.

See also: escalate

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.