That was a situation where going over the deadline and catastrophe might ensue, with irreversible harm.

BBC: Who, What, Why: Who first called it a 'fiscal cliff'?

If neither the rescue funds nor the ECB can do enough, a wider break-up might ensue, with huge costs all around.

ECONOMIST: How much do Greece and the rest of Europe stand to lose?

Without carefully and objectively evaluating the pros and cons of each existing tax preference, bad economic (and political) outcomes may ensue if the good is tossed out with the bad.

FORBES: Tough Politics Are the Barriers To True Tax Simplification

These days, both parties seem to be such polar opposites that any slight hiccup, sneeze, or cough in the voting process will surely be met with political discord and a legal fight will ensue.

FORBES: What Retirees Can Expect After The Election

The shallower reductions that would ensue would mitigate somewhat the stability, verification and break-out problems inherent with deep reductions.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | An Assessment Of Future Requirements For US Strategic Forces And Strategic Arms Control

By following a policy of contrition for Bush's "cowboy diplomacy, " and acting with deference in its dealing with the Muslim world, in his view, a new era of US-Islamic relations will ensue.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Honest Obama & Iran