Fiscal Cliff

/ˈfɪskəl klɪf/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A situation in which a set of financial factors causes a sudden and severe economic downturn due to expiring tax cuts and spending cuts as defined by law.
    The legislature acted swiftly to prevent the country from falling over the fiscal cliff.

Forms

  • fiscal cliff

Commentary

Primarily used in U.S. federal budget contexts; often denotes a precipice of abrupt fiscal tightening triggering legal fiscal consequences.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Fiscal Cliff Definition