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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

collision course

However, the couple said they were "not on a collision course".

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Should Portugal and Argentina both win their groups, the bracket will have them on a collision course for the quarterfinals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

But this initial venture highlighted the inevitable collision course between Steyer’s burgeoning activism and his firm’s investments.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 6, 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

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

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