tipping point
noun [ S ]
ukusa time during an activity or process when an important decision has to be made or when a situation changes completely:
a tipping point in sth Many developed countries are getting close to a tipping point in their attitude to the environment.
be at a tipping point Employers could find themselves at a tipping point, where so few employees participate in their health-care plans it threatens their ability to obtain group coverage.
reach/approach/near a tipping point Employee anger over pay violations in the restaurant industry may have reached a tipping point.