loom ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Something big and scary is coming closer and you can't avoid it.
Literal meaning: To appear large and close as you move toward it.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To appear as a large, threatening presence approaching in the near future.
"With the exams looming ahead, the students spent every evening revising."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To appear suddenly large and close in the physical distance, especially in poor visibility.
"Through the fog, the outline of the cliffs loomed ahead of the ship."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily used in writing and formal speech. Carries a strong sense of foreboding. Common in journalism when describing crises, deadlines, or confrontations.
Commonly used with
crisis deadline threat challenge disaster recession
Forms
Base
loom ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looms ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
loomed ahead
yesterday
Past participle
loomed ahead
have + pp
-ing form
looming ahead
continuous
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Synonyms
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