clear and present danger

Cultural  

1. The standard set by the Supreme Court for judging when freedom of speech may lawfully be limited. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., illustrated the point by arguing that no one has a constitutional right to shout “Fire!” in a crowded theater when no fire is present, for such action would pose a “clear and present danger” to public safety. (See First Amendment (see also First Amendment).)

---

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, nine First Nations from Ontario launched a constitutional challenge arguing both Ontario's legislation, and Carney's federal law, present a "clear and present danger" to their way of life and rights to self-determination.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

Unchecked technological advancement is no longer a distant threat to China but a clear and present danger, dispassionately gobbling up communities, jobs and Qiaoqiao’s and Bin’s dreams.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 20, 2025

Failure to anticipate this clear and present danger to the outdoor workforce can have particularly serious ramifications for the millions of Americans in this cohort who have pre-existing respiratory issues like asthma and heart disease.

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2023

“No clear and present danger to the United States, no imminent threat and, above all, no evidence of weapons of mass destruction,” he said.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2023

As much as I want to, I can’t make any sort of move against Henry until he proves himself to be the clear and present danger I suspect he is.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman