spell disaster

spell disaster

To indicate, contribute to, or display signs of an impending and severe failure or disaster. The senator's refusal to negotiate spells disaster for the chances of the legislation to pass through both houses of congress. The sudden shortage of precious metals necessary to manufacture the computer chips spelled disaster for the fledgling tech company.
See also: disaster, spell
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spell disaster Fig.

to indicate or predict disaster. What a horrible plan! It would spell disaster for all of us!
See also: disaster, fig, spell
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • spell disaster Fig
  • brink of disaster
  • cry havoc
  • havoc
  • save (one's) skin
  • save your skin
  • train wreck
  • a/the sword of Damocles
  • sword of Damocles
  • Damocles' sword
References in periodicals archive
The ineptitude and misplaced priorities not only spell disaster but death for Pakistanis.
Maryam, Shehbaz condole death of passengers in RYK train accident
Summary: The US was tight-lipped about a response but Russian President Vladimir Putin warned any attack on Iran would spell disaster.
Trump plays down loss of drone in the Strait of Hormuz
An outbreak hitting the island's shores could spell disaster for its NT$150 billion (US$4.86 million) hog farming industry.
Foreign visitors to Taiwan now denied entry if unable to clear fines for illegal pork imports
Starting from scratch on social media may sound like a dream come true to some, but for others it could spell disaster.
New show lets society judge social media; Talk TV
Even a limited war-like activity on the borders could spell disaster and unimaginable consequences for hundreds of millions of people living in the subcontinent and adjoining regions.
Let's bury the hatchet
If they fail, it will spell disaster for the country and be likely to halt Brexit.
Reshuffle to get united Cabinet; LETTERS
Opponents of its construction worry that a leak or rupture would spell disaster for not only the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, but for all communities along the Missouri River that depend on it for drinking and agriculture.
Pipeline protest
The party fears unrestricted access for New Zealand lamb in the EU could spell disaster for the Welsh farming industry and has called for stronger action from the Welsh Government.
Plaid urges Government to 'stand up for lamb'
Not having a financial cushion could mean struggling with basic living costs, while lack of income protection could spell disaster if the bread winner becomes ill and is unable to work.
A quarter of families renting [...]
Ash is spotted by another inmate, Gunno, who wastes no time telling him that any friend of Ash's is no friend of his - which could spell disaster.
HOME & AWAY - FIVE
But trust me, less than perfect grades don't spell disaster.
A* in effort for our kids
Instead of speeding things up, it slows everything down and could spell disaster.
No valuation could spell disaster if sales fall through; THEJUDGE I'LL GET IT SORTED
st EXCLUSIVE The Mersey club's American owners, deeply concerned about Premier League results, will head off fan fury by offering Kop idol Dalglish (left) a role in the Anfield t FIRFIRFIRFIRFIRFIRFIRFIRSTSTSTSTSTSTSTSTST O:O:O: Oururur scoscoscoscoopopopop FIRST: Our scoop Managerless Aston Villa want Martinez too, but could turn to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - although that may spell disaster for his Norwegian club Molde.
Mart meets Kop chiefs
And that could spell disaster for more than 500 workers at the smelter.
Growing threat to smelter puts 500 jobs on the line; Closure would be 'devastating'
10, 2010, said parliamentary democracy in Russia could spell disaster if not properly handled.
Medvedev On Democracy