Something that is not a problem until it becomes a problem
I am wondering if there is a word or phrase encompassing the concept for something that is not a problem, until it becomes a problem.
Example:
- Hiring a spouse to work for your company is not a problem, until someone doesn't like them (making it a problem).
- Politicians taking money from individuals is not a problem, until they take money from the "wrong" people (making it a problem).
- Copying someone's work is not a problem in and of itself, until the person is affected.
The most relevant concepts that I can think of :
- Conflicts of interest
- Plagiarism
If you're talking to the plagiarizer, or the nepotist, for example, here are some ways you can explain potential future difficulties:
- You are asking for trouble. TFD (crediting Drew in the comment)
- This could easily blow up in your face.
- Imagine what this would look like in a headline.
a "potential" or "latent" problem**
potential - "capable of being but not yet in existence" - TFD
latent - "present or potential but not evident or active" - TFD
Examples in the literature:
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1. - "Is the fact that the research is done at two different schools a potential problem with the study?"
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2. - "Potential problems related to weightlessness and artificial gravity..."
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3. - "Latent problems weren't directly visible to a technician but might occur in the future."
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4. - "An example of a potential problem for a couple expecting a baby who already have a two-year old child might be jealousy on the part of the toddler after the baby is born."
A hostage to fortune, perhaps?
To give hostage to fortune - To take an action or make a statement that is risky because it could cause you trouble later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Archives/Language/2010_July_6