towering inferno

The term "towering inferno" originated from the 1974 film 'The Towering Inferno,' depicting a catastrophic fire in a skyscraper.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

(poetic, dramatic)A large, intense fire that engulfs a tall building or structure.

The firefighters struggled to control the towering inferno that consumed the skyscraper.

(figurative)A situation or crisis that is spiraling out of control, becoming increasingly chaotic.

The company's financial troubles turned into a towering inferno, causing widespread panic among investors.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "towering inferno":