PhrasesHub

The crack of doom

    Definitions

      • a looming disaster or catastrophe
        to describe a situation or event that is expected to have severe and negative consequences

      • a final and irrevocable point in time
        to refer to a decisive moment or point of no return

    Examples of The crack of doom

    • The sound of the school principal's footsteps echoed through the hallways, signaling the impending doom of their raucous chatter.

      This example uses the idiom "the crack of doom" in a creative way to describe the school principal's heavy footsteps as a warning of approaching punishment or consequences.

    • The ominous rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance, signaling the crack of doom for the outdoor picnic they had planned.

      Here, the idiom is used to depict the sound of approaching bad weather as an ominous warning of potential danger or destruction.

    • The sight of the chess king's final moves filled the player with a sense of doom, as he knew he was about to suffer the ultimate checkmate.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe a particularly difficult or impossible situation that will lead to failure or defeat.

    • The loud creaking of the old bridge ominously announced the crack of doom for any unsuspecting travelers.

      This example uses the idiom to depict an old or dangerous structure as a warning of potential disaster or catastrophe.

    • The sound of thunder that rumbled across the sky like the crack of doom signaled the arrival of the fierce storm.

      This idiom, "The crack of doom", implies an ominous and terrifying sound that is reminiscent of the end of the world. In this example, the sound of thunder, as it boomed loudly in the sky, became a metaphorical representation of this ominous sound. It warned of the impending arrival of a fierce storm that was capable of causing significant damage.

    • As the judge banged his gavel on the desktop, his piercing gaze locking onto the defendant, the sound seemed like the crack of doom, striking fear into the hearts of all in the courtroom.

      In this example, the judge's loud hammering of the gavel became an apparent crack of doom; the sound's suddenness and loudness filled the entire courtroom, and everyone present felt the intensity and weight of its impact. This particular use of the idiom signified the seriousness of the judge's conviction and the defendant's situation, implying that any further opposition could lead to dire consequences.

    • The echoes of her heels clicking against the floorboards grew louder, like the crack of doom, as she approached the deep, dark corridor, her breath catching in her throat.

      In this example, the sound of the woman's heels became a metaphor for the crack of doom as she made her way towards a dark, seemingly ominous corridor. The loud noise of her heels against the floorboards grew louder, creating an intimidating atmosphere that filled the air, causing the woman to be apprehensive and uncertain about what awaited her at the end of the corridor.

    • The silence that enveloped the room during the presentation was so complete, it seemed as though the crack of doom had struck the audience, rendering them spellbound and unresponsive.

      Here, the loud silence that permeated the room during the presentation was compared to the crack of doom. This comparison was an immediate reference to the intensity and seriousness of the situation, causing the audience to become overwhelmed and disoriented, as though a thunderous sound had distracted them from their original objective.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the crack of doom" is used to convey the idea of an impending disaster or a point of no return. It is often used in a dramatic or ominous manner to emphasize the severity of a situation. People may use this idiom to warn others about the potential consequences of a certain action or to emphasize the gravity of a particular event.

    This idiom is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it can be found in literature, particularly in works with dramatic or apocalyptic themes. When used, it is meant to convey a sense of urgency and seriousness, drawing attention to the gravity of the situation at hand.

    Origin of "The crack of doom"

    The phrase "the crack of doom" has its origins in Shakespeare's play Macbeth, where it is used to refer to the Day of Judgment or the final end of the world. The word "crack" in this context means a loud, sharp noise, and "doom" refers to a final judgment or fate. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to signify any impending disaster or decisive moment. Its dramatic origins are reflected in its usage today, where it is still employed to emphasize the seriousness of a situation or event.