How Do You Spell WAITING TO HAPPEN?

Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪtɪŋ tə hˈapən] (IPA)

"Waiting to happen" is a common phrase that describes something that seems inevitable or imminent. The spelling of this phrase follows English pronunciation rules: "w" is pronounced /w/, "ai" is pronounced /eɪ/, "t" is pronounced /t/, "i" is pronounced /ɪ/, "ng" is pronounced /ŋ/, "t" is pronounced /t/, "o" is pronounced /ə/ and "h" is pronounced /h/. The combinations of letters produce the exact sound of the phrase in English conversation, with a rising intonation that creates a sense of anticipation.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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WAITING TO HAPPEN Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "waiting to happen" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe a situation or event that is highly likely to occur, usually with negative or undesirable consequences. It conveys a sense of impending danger or inevitability, suggesting that the circumstances are so precarious or poorly planned that an adverse outcome is almost guaranteed.

    The expression highlights the notion that all the necessary conditions are already in place for an incident or mishap to occur, and it is only a matter of time before it materializes. It suggests that the situation has been allowed or overlooked for so long that an unfortunate outcome is simply awaiting its turn to unfold. It is often used to describe scenarios where the potential risks or hazards are evident to observers, but the necessary actions to prevent them have not been taken.

    For instance, one might use the phrase "waiting to happen" to describe a dilapidated building that shows clear signs of structural instability, looming as a safety hazard that could collapse at any moment. Alternatively, it could be applied to a risky behavior, such as texting while driving or excessive alcohol consumption before operating heavy machinery, indicating an accident is bound to occur sooner or later.

    In summary, "waiting to happen" refers to a situation or event that is standing on the brink of transpiring due to existing conditions or circumstances that point towards an impending negative consequence.

Common Misspellings for WAITING TO HAPPEN

  • qaiting to happen
  • aaiting to happen
  • saiting to happen
  • eaiting to happen
  • 3aiting to happen
  • 2aiting to happen
  • wziting to happen
  • wsiting to happen
  • wwiting to happen
  • wqiting to happen
  • wauting to happen
  • wajting to happen
  • wakting to happen
  • waoting to happen
  • wa9ting to happen
  • wa8ting to happen
  • wairing to happen
  • waifing to happen
  • waiging to happen
  • waiying to happen

Idioms with the word WAITING TO HAPPEN

  • an accident/a disaster waiting to happen The idiom "an accident/a disaster waiting to happen" refers to a situation, action, or person that appears to be destined for failure, danger, or catastrophe in the future. It suggests that the conditions are so precarious or negligent that it is only a matter of time before an unfortunate event occurs.
  • an accident waiting to happen The idiom "an accident waiting to happen" is used to describe a situation or a thing that is extremely dangerous or likely to result in an accident or disaster. It implies that the conditions are so precarious that it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong or an unfortunate event occurs.

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Correct spelling for waiting to happen
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