When the shit hits the fan

idomatic expression

This phrase is used when a difficult or dangerous situation arises or the consequences of a situation become widespread and well-known.

Everything seemed fine, but when the shit hit the fan, everyone started blaming each other.
Visual representation of "when the shit hits the fan" - This phrase is used when a difficult or dangerous situation arises or the consequences of a situation become widespread and well-known.

Often appears as...

  • suddenly the shit hits the fan
  • wait until the shit hits the fan

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

idomatic expression

This phrase is used when a difficult or dangerous situation arises or the consequences of a situation become widespread and well-known.

Everything seemed fine, but when the shit hit the fan, everyone started blaming each other.
Visual representation of "when the shit hits the fan" - This phrase is used when a difficult or dangerous situation arises or the consequences of a situation become widespread and well-known.

Often appears as...

  • suddenly the shit hits the fan
  • wait until the shit hits the fan

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "when the shit hits the fan"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Usage

The phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation, not in formal settings like business meetings or academic papers.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I knew when the shit hit the fan at the party, it would become legendary gossip.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potential Offense

Be cautious as 'shit' is a swear word and the phrase might be considered vulgar or offensive by some.

Illustration for Potential Offense
I was careful not to say 'when the shit hits the fan' in front of my grandparents.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Crisis Point

Use the phrase when a situation drastically deteriorates, and its negative impact becomes obvious to everyone.

Illustration for Crisis Point
He kept ignoring the warnings until the shit hit the fan and he lost everything.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Usage

The phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation, not in formal settings like business meetings or academic papers.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I knew when the shit hit the fan at the party, it would become legendary gossip.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potential Offense

Be cautious as 'shit' is a swear word and the phrase might be considered vulgar or offensive by some.

Illustration for Potential Offense
I was careful not to say 'when the shit hits the fan' in front of my grandparents.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Crisis Point

Use the phrase when a situation drastically deteriorates, and its negative impact becomes obvious to everyone.

Illustration for Crisis Point
He kept ignoring the warnings until the shit hit the fan and he lost everything.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Colloquial Usage

The phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation, not in formal settings like business meetings or academic papers.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
I knew when the shit hit the fan at the party, it would become legendary gossip.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potential Offense

Be cautious as 'shit' is a swear word and the phrase might be considered vulgar or offensive by some.

Illustration for Potential Offense
I was careful not to say 'when the shit hits the fan' in front of my grandparents.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Crisis Point

Use the phrase when a situation drastically deteriorates, and its negative impact becomes obvious to everyone.

Illustration for Crisis Point
He kept ignoring the warnings until the shit hit the fan and he lost everything.
Visual representation of the word "When the shit hits the fan"

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