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).)

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Example Sentences

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clear and present danger

“The update to economic projections also underscored that the clear and present danger for the Fed’s dual mandate is rising inflation risks,” they add. 10-year JGB yield rises 2.5 bps to 2.625%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin shared his view that this report "confirms that South East Water poses a clear and present danger to public health".

From BBC ● May 1, 2026

But the point he was making was evident — the ideology it unleashed remains a clear and present danger.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

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

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