ready to explode

USAGE SUMMARY

"ready to explode" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone or something is close to becoming drastically and quickly changed, and is in a very volatile state. For example, "The stock market was ready to explode as soon as the news was released."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I feel ready to explode".

The Guardian - Sport

"This town's ready to explode".

The New York Times - Sports

"And I think he's ready to explode".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is getting ready to explode".

The New York Times

Let's eat", he is ready to explode.

The Guardian - Film

Veneto was, he said, "like a bomb ready to explode".

Independent

"You had a terrain that was ready to explode".

The Economist

This is a boiling pot ready to explode".

The Guardian

The house is a revolutionary tinderbox, ready to explode.

The New York Times - Arts

I ought to have been furious, ready to explode.

The New York Times - Arts

The storage shed out back looks ready to explode.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to explode" to vividly depict situations or emotions that are on the cusp of a significant and often sudden release. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of anticipation or impending chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "ready to explode" excessively, as it can lose its impact. Opt for more nuanced language when describing subtle build-ups of tension or less dramatic situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to explode" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun or situation that is about to reach a critical point of release. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its adjectival role, depicting states of imminent outburst.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

10%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready to explode" is a versatile expression used to convey the idea of something being on the brink of a sudden and significant release. As determined by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to emphasize their imminent volatility. While generally neutral in register, it is more common in news and media contexts. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its wide usage and acceptance in contemporary English. Understanding its nuances can help writers use it effectively to create vivid and impactful descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of eruption

Focuses on the sudden and forceful release of pent-up energy or emotion, similar to a volcanic eruption.

about to blow up

Suggests an impending loss of temper or control, often in a personal or interpersonal context.

close to detonating

Emphasizes the potential for a sudden and destructive release, like an explosive device.

reaching boiling point

Implies a gradual increase in pressure or tension, culminating in an inevitable outburst.

at the breaking point

Highlights the limit of one's endurance, where further stress will lead to a collapse.

set to burst

Indicates a state of being full to capacity, implying an imminent release of contents.

highly combustible

Describes something easily provoked or ignited, suggesting a propensity for conflict.

in a volatile state

Indicates instability and a high likelihood of sudden and dramatic change.

building up to a crescendo

Emphasizes the increasing intensity of something that will culminate in a peak.

on a short fuse

Suggests someone who is easily angered or provoked.

FAQs

How can I use "ready to explode" in a sentence?

The phrase "ready to explode" is used to describe a state of high tension or pent-up emotion that is about to be released suddenly. For example, "The crowd was "ready to explode" with excitement as the band took the stage."

What are some alternatives to "ready to explode"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "on the verge of eruption", "about to blow up", or "reaching boiling point".

Is it appropriate to use "ready to explode" in formal writing?

While "ready to explode" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more restrained language to convey the same meaning.

What does it mean when someone says a situation is "ready to explode"?

When a situation is described as "ready to explode", it means that there are underlying tensions or pressures that are likely to result in a sudden and significant event or change.