What is the origin of the idiom "recipe for disaster" and when to use it?
The phrase "recipe for disaster" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a combination of factors, actions, or circumstances that are likely to result in a disastrous or highly unfavorable outcome. It conveys the idea that certain elements, when combined, create a situation that is bound to go wrong or lead to significant problems. The phrase uses the metaphor of a recipe, suggesting that the combination of these factors is akin to following a set of instructions that will inevitably lead to disaster.