collision course

American  

noun

1. a course or path of a vehicle, projectile, etc., that, if unchanged, will lead to a collision with another object.

2. any plan, attitude, or course of action that leads to a confrontation or conflict with another.

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Etymology

Origin of collision course

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

collision course

Migrating gray whales and ships are on a collision course in the San Francisco Bay, with at least seven whales dead so far this year—many from vessels—after 21 fatalities in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

"To avoid this collision course the government needs to step up and deliver the properly funded education system our children and young people deserve."

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

In the 1980s, Niall's path is set on a lifelong collision course with Ruben, his "brother from another lover", brought to life in his younger years by Stuart Campbell.

From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2026

Having a transponder on board would have automatically alerted air traffic controllers that the aircraft and the truck were on a possible collision course, according to investigators.

From Barron's ● Apr. 23, 2026

Near the end of the day I was walking down a dimly lit hallway, with Danny following, when I spotted a boy coming directly toward me on a collision course.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals