bomba de tiempo
/bomba de tjempo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'ticking time bomb' is translated into Spanish as bomba de tiempo.
This phrase is used to describe a person or a situation that is likely to cause a disaster or crisis in the near future.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, bomba de tiempo means 'bomb of time'.
Which one should you use?
While bomba de tiempo is the standard phrase, Bomba de relojería is a formal translation. In various regions, you may also hear the extended version Bomba que está a punto de explotar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase Bomba en cuenta regresiva is primarily used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'ticking time bombs', use bombas de tiempo.
Did you know?
- The word tiempo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'temperature' and 'tempo', as both stem from a root meaning 'to stretch' or 'to extend'.
- The formal alternative bomba de relojería uses the word relojería, which refers to the craft of clockmaking rather than just a clock.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a person a bomba de tiempo can be a more common way to describe a volatile temperament than a literal political or social crisis.
Examples in context
- Esa situación es una bomba de tiempo.That situation is a ticking time bomb.
- Esa deuda es una bomba de tiempo.That debt is a ticking time bomb.
- La economía del país es una bomba de tiempo.The country's economy is a ticking time bomb.
- Su temperamento es una bomba de tiempo.His temperament is a ticking time bomb.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a problematic political situation.
- ElenaEsta crisis política es una bomba de tiempo.This political crisis is a ticking time bomb.
- JavierTienes razón, Elena. Todo puede estallar pronto.You're right, Elena. Everything could explode soon.
- Elena¿Crees que Javier podrá detenerlo?Do you think Javier will be able to stop it?
- JavierNo lo creo, la situación es muy inestable.I don't think so, the situation is very unstable.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bomba, de, tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
