Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Recipe for Disaster

What does it mean?

Recipe for disaster is a common idiom meaning a set of circumstances or actions that will almost certainly lead to a serious failure, accident, or negative outcome.

Is it positive or negative?

It is strongly negative, used to warn that something is likely to go badly wrong.

When do you use it?

Use it when describing foolish decisions, risky behaviour, or any situation where trouble is almost inevitable.

Examples

Example 1: Sending the intern alone to meet the client with no preparation is a recipe for disaster.

Example 2: Mixing alcohol with those painkillers is a recipe for disaster.

Question for you

Can you think of a time when someone made a decision that was a complete recipe for disaster?

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