perfect storm

American  

noun

1. Meteorology. a very intense and powerful storm arising from the convergence of an unusual set of weather patterns.

   A dying Hurricane Grace delivered the immeasurable tropical energy needed to create the perfect storm.

2. a detrimental or calamitous situation or event arising from the powerful combined effect of a unique set of circumstances.

   a perfect storm battering corporate pension plans.

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perfect storm British  

noun

1. a combination of events which are not individually dangerous, but occurring together produce a disastrous outcome

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Etymology

Origin of perfect storm

First recorded in 1935–40 in meteorological sense; in 1997 for current sense, from The Perfect Storm, a nonfiction book by Sebastian Junger, U.S. journalist and author (born 1962)

Example Sentences

Victoria Greene, founding partner at G Squared Private Wealth, calls the backdrop a “perfect storm” for the precious metals market.

From Barron's

“It’s been a perfect storm,” said Michael Lefkowitz, a lawyer who helps lenders and borrowers work out loans on troubled assets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yes, there was a perfect storm of factors that made the fires difficult to contain despite heroic efforts on the front lines.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the perfect storm to take the footwork happening on the streets of L.A. viral.

From Los Angeles Times

This "perfect storm" of a climate shock, famine and trade offers a reminder of how diseases can emerge and spread in a globalised and warmer world, according to experts.

From BBC