Boiling-frog Definition

noun

(idiomatic, usually) When referring to a situation gradually becoming worse, without those involved realizing the peril affecting them until it's too late.

Environmental pollution and the overconsumption of nonreplenishable resources is the boiling frog syndrome of the 21st century.

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Other Word Forms of Boiling-frog

Noun

Singular:

boiling-frog

Plural:

boiling frogs

Origin of Boiling-frog

From a widespread anecdote describing a frog slowly being boiled alive. The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death.

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