The phrase "mounting tension" refers to a situation where the level of stress, conflict, or unease is progressively increasing over time. Full definition
The cutting from one center of action to another feeds an atmosphere of mounting tension. (sfchronicle.com)
What happened yesterday was the culmination of mounting tensions between the advocates, who have been demanding a vote, win or lose, and Democrats, who didn't want their members exposed to political risk only to have gay marriage defeated. (nymag.com)
Whether it's mounting tensions with Russia / Syria and North Korea, a US stock market looking more vulnerable to a correction, the Fed attempting to unwind its massive balance sheet and tighten monetary policy, or the upcoming election in France — there are ample catalysts to propel gold higher. (hardassetsalliance.com)