a recipe for (something)

Something, especially an activity, behavior, or method of doing something, that is very likely to cause the specified outcome. Studying all night and getting no sleep before your final exam is a recipe for disaster. Eating healthy food and exercising regularly is a recipe for longevity. My recipe for success is to keep a healthy balance between work, family life, and socializing with my friends.

a recipe for disaster

Something, especially an activity, behavior, or method of doing something, that is very likely to cause a very negative or detrimental outcome. Studying all night and getting no sleep before your final exam is a recipe for disaster. In hindsight, having the two sides of the family sitting at the same table for such a long stretch of time was always going to be a recipe for disaster. A: "Anyone in these forums have any experience running a business with a romantic partner?" B: "Let me tell you, friend, that's a recipe for disaster."

be a recipe for (something)

To be likely to cause a particular thing to happen. Studying all night before your final exam is a recipe for disaster. Eating healthy food and exercising regularly is a recipe for longevity. Our unique six-step program is guaranteed to be a recipe for success, or you can have your money back.

recipe for success

An activity, behavior, or method of doing something that is very likely to result in or lead to prosperity or a favorable outcome. Our unique six-step program is guaranteed to be a recipe for success, or you can have your money back. My recipe for success is to keep a healthy balance between work, family life, and socializing with my friends. Going to bed early, getting up on time, eliminating unnecessary distractions from your life—now that's a recipe for success!

a recipe for disaster

COMMON If you say that something is a recipe for disaster, you mean that it is very likely to have unpleasant consequences or lead to failure. Trying to be trendy when dealing with teenagers is a sure recipe for disaster. Ignoring the human aspect of IT projects is a recipe for disaster.

a recipe for disaster

something that is very likely to lead to a bad outcome.

a recipe for diˈsaster, sucˈcess, etc.

a method or an idea that seems likely to have a particular result: That idea sounds like a recipe for disaster. ♢ What’s her recipe for success?