fault line

Definitions

1. The line formed by the intersection of the plane of a fault with the surface of the Earth.
2. A minor split (in public opinion, etc.) that may develop into something larger.
   broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“Yet the process⟳ may lead⟳ to new fault lines and resentments across the notoriously unstable Lebanese political system whose 18 different confessional groups share⟳ all levels of power.”

CEFR level