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

Another factor was the lack of a transponder on the fire engine, which would have automatically alerted air traffic controllers that the aircraft and the truck were on a collision course, according to investigators.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

For instance, Morocco are on a collision course with France in a potential quarter-final.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 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

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

It was a delusion that would put me on a collision course with reality at the US Secret Classic meet the following July.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles