boilover
nounEtymology Deverbal from boil over.
1
A hazardous situation where an attempt is made to extinguish semi-enclosed oil- or petrochemical-fuelled fire with water, generating steam which propels the burning fuel outwards.
2
Australia, New Zealand, Slang A sporting event with an unexpected outcome, especially a horse race where the favourite fails to win.
- […] there was not much good horsemanship. The Derby itself was an ordinary race, something of a boilover for Dark Star […]1953, Pastoralists' Review (volume 63, issues 7-12, page 716)
- Related terms
- overboil