Definition

1. Noun:
   • A course of action that will lead to conflict if it continues: A plan, policy, or series of actions that, if not altered, is certain to result in a serious disagreement, clash, or confrontation.
   • The path of a moving object that will lead to a physical impact if unchanged: The literal trajectory of an object (e.g., a ship, plane, car) that, if maintained, will cause it to crash into another object.

Usage

The term is commonly used in both literal (physical) and figurative (conflict-based) contexts. It often implies a lack of corrective action or a deliberate choice to continue on a dangerous path.

Examples

• Figurative (conflict):
  • The government's new policies are on a collision course with the opposition party.
  • His stubbornness put him on a collision course with his manager.
• Literal (physical):
  • The radar showed the two aircraft were on a collision course.
  • The freighter altered its path after realizing it was on a collision course with the coast.

Advanced Usage

• To be on a collision course (with someone/something): This is the most common phrase. It describes being in a situation where conflict or collision is inevitable unless something changes.
  • The two CEOs are on a collision course over the future of the company.
• To set/put someone/something on a collision course: To cause a situation where conflict or collision becomes likely.
  • The new law sets the president on a collision course with the courts.

Variants and Related Words

• Collide (verb): To crash or come into conflict.
• Collision (noun): The act or instance of colliding; a crash or conflict.
• Head-on collision (noun phrase): A literal or figurative direct and violent clash.

Synonyms

• Figurative: Path to conflict, confrontation course, clash course.
• Literal: Impact trajectory, crash path.

Related Phrases

• On a war path: Very determined to fight or argue (more aggressive connotation than "collision course").
• Recipe for disaster: A sure way to cause something bad to happen (broader than conflict).

Idioms

• Like two trains on the same track: An idiom describing two parties headed for an inevitable collision or conflict, similar to being on a collision course.
  • Their arguing was like two trains on the same track.

Noun

1. a course of action (following a given idea) that will lead to conflict if it continues unabated
2. a course of a moving object that will lead to a collision if it continues unchanged