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Danger - Danger & Threat

Dive into English idioms regarding danger and threats, like "come to a head" and "sleep with the fishes".

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English idioms related to Danger
to [set|sound|ring] (the|) alarm bells

to cause fear or concern by showing a warning sign

Ex: The sudden drop in sales set alarm bells ringing across the company. 
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all hell [break] (loose|out)

used when a situation suddenly becomes very intense or chaotic

Ex: When the final whistle blew, all hell broke loose in the stadium. 
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to [bring] {sth} to a head

to worsen a situation to a point that it requires immediate action

Ex: The missed payments finally brought the dispute to a head. 
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to [come] to a head

to become very dangerous or problematic in a way that demands immediate action

Ex: After months of tension, the conflict finally came to a head. 
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on the line
on the line
[phrase]

used when someone or something is subjected to a serious threat or danger

Ex: If the deal fails, hundreds of jobs will be on the line. 
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on the rocks
on the rocks
[phrase]

(in reference to a business or relationship) in a difficult or troubled state, and may be at risk of falling apart

Ex: Their marriage has been on the rocks for months. 
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on the hook
on the hook
[phrase]

used to refer to a situation in which someone is forced or committed to fulfill a responsibility, often due to prior agreements or expectations

Ex: If the plan fails, we'll all be on the hook. 
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to [sleep] with the fishes

to be killed or dead, typically conveying the body has been disposed of by being thrown into water

Ex: He crossed the gang, and by morning he was sleeping with the fishes. 
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slippery slope

a situation that can gradually lead to bigger problems

Ex: Ignoring small safety rules can become a slippery slope. 
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powder keg

a tense situation that could suddenly become a serious conflict

Ex: The meeting felt like a powder keg before anyone spoke. 
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to [burn] {sth} to a (crisp|cinder)

to cause significant damage or destruction to something by subjecting it to intense heat or fire

Ex: The fire burned the old shed to a cinder before anyone could stop it. 
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or else
or else
[phrase]

used to threaten someone or seriously warn them

Ex: Leave my family alone, or else. 
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in {one's} crosshairs

used to refer to someone who is being targeted by another person or thing for a specific action, often with the intent to catch, arrest, stop, or harm

Ex: The new mayor has corrupt contractors in her crosshairs. 
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