Even a limited confrontation can escalate into a major war.

即使是局部的对抗也可能扩大成一场大战。

youdao

He did not want any differences of opinion between his heirs to escalate into a family feud.

他不愿意财产继承人之间的意见分歧扩大而升级为家庭不和。

youdao

And unless results are forthcoming, the long-running drama over Iran's nuclear ambitions could rapidly escalate into a global crisis.

除非成果即将诞生，否则围绕伊朗核野心展开的漫长剧作将可能迅速升级为一场全球危机。

youdao

Speaking in Armenia, she warned that the clashes "could escalate into a much broader conflict" in the Caucasus.

BBC: Azeri-Armenian clashes 'may escalate' - Hillary Clinton

But even in Kuwait, the foreign minister has expressed hopes that the stand-off will not escalate into armed conflict.

ECONOMIST: Let��s be diplomatic, say the neighbours

But there are fears that the restrictions on peacekeepers could cause a small incident to escalate into something more serious.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | New war fears in Horn of Africa