nuclear

Related to nuclear: Nuclear war, Nuclear weapons, Nuclear stress test

go nuclear

1. To use nuclear weapons, as by the military, often considered a last resort. I'm worried about the repercussions if our military officials decide to go nuclear.
2. In the US Senate, to pursue a course of action allowing the majority party to end filibustering with a simple majority, rather than the usually required supermajority of 60%. Senators could, however, go nuclear and approve this nomination.
3. To behave wildly. You only turn 21 once, so I plan to go nuclear at my birthday party this weekend!
4. To aggressively express one's anger. When mom finds out you dented her brand-new car, she's going to go nuclear!
5. To take drastic action. Whoa, calling the CEO about this issue is definitely going nuclear—let's see what we can do on our own first.
See also: go, nuclear

nuclear option

1. The use of nuclear weapons, as by the military, often considered a last resort. I'm worried about the repercussions if our military officials choose the nuclear option.
2. In the US Senate, a course of action allowing the majority party to end filibustering with a simple majority, rather than the usually required supermajority of 60%. Senators could, however, use the nuclear option to approve that nomination.
3. An especially drastic decision or action. Calling the CEO about this issue is definitely the nuclear option—let's see what we can do on our own first.
See also: nuclear, option
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go nuclear

mainly BRITISH, INFORMAL
If someone goes nuclear, they get extremely angry and start shouting or behaving violently. The row during which he went nuclear and resigned from his post was much reported in the press. Compare with go ballistic.
See also: go, nuclear
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • go nuclear
  • nuclear option
  • Lally
  • doolally
  • no plan survives contact with the enemy
  • survive
  • harass
  • don't ask, don't tell
  • Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Harass, Don't Pursue
  • go doolally
References in periodicals archive
Arms Control and Disarmament Division Director General Muhammad Kamran Akhtar discussed the political aspects of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Akhter argued that the current nuclear order has undermined the inalienable right to peaceful nuclear technology for some countries.
'Pakistan needs to enhance N-capabilities for peaceful purposes'
Expert opinion on the benefit of nuclear power plantSpeaking on the advantages of operating a nuclear power plants in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rosatom Central and SouthernAfrica, Dmitry Shornikov, stated that shortage of sustainable and affordable energy sources make it difficult for African nations like Nigeria to implement its strategic industrialization goals, against a background of growing urbanization as well as demands for employment and modern infrastructure.
Solving Nigeria's Power Crisis Using Nuclear Technology
It aims at banning all sorts of nuclear tests in all environments.
OPEN DENIAL
The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was observed for the first time in September 2014.
1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has yet to enter into force: UN Report
Getting Nuclear Weapons Right provides vital insight into the debates of the day and must find wide readership among those interested in nuclear policy, strategy, and force structure options.
Getting Nuclear Weapons Right: Managing Danger and Avoiding Disaster
Botswana, therefore, he said may facilitate and have the right to participate in the exchange of equipment and scientific technological information for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Botswana prohibits production , possession of nuclear weapons
Based on the international conferences regarding the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear detonation , the OEWG was established in the UNGA.
The Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty and the Paradox of Japan's Nuclear Identity
The Philippines, he added, has yet to ratify three key international nuclear conventions, namely the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
Enabling law needed to add nuke power in energy mix
Not only unnecessary, the low-yield nuclear weapons also increase the risk of a nuclear war.
Implications of the 2018 US Nuclear Posture Review
The five countries which possess nuclear weapons can legitimately ask others not to acquire these weapons only if they themselves are genuinely prepared to eliminate their own nuclear arsenals.
US nuclear hypocrisy
International institutional arrangements such as the NPT not only promote nuclear non-proliferation but also facilitate the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies whereas the NSG regulates nuclear commerce and export controls.
Nuclear Energy Security: Emerging Trends and Pakistan
Those with nuclear arsenals have resisted, avoided, or ignored not only their treaty obligations, but the groundswell of support for nuclear abolition from all corners of the planet.
Statement to the 3rd Preparatory Committee for the 2020 NPT Review Conference; May 1, 2019
She was addressing a media workshop to mark anniversary of Pakistan going nuclear on 28 May in 1998.
Pakistan has legitimate claim on NSG membership: Mazari Speakers call for optimal peaceful use of nuclear technology
The day marks country's achievement to make its way to the global nuclear club and it is also commemorated as the National Science Day to highlight Pakistan's achievements in the field of science.
Pakistan celebrates Youm-e-Takbeer