booby trap

/'bu:bitræp/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
booby trap

A hiker carefully avoids a booby trap on the forest trail.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A hidden explosive device designed to harm or kill when triggered: A "booby trap" is a concealed explosive or mechanical device, such as a mine, that is set to activate when an unsuspecting person disturbs it.
    • An unforeseen or unexpected difficulty or trick: In a broader, non-literal sense, a "booby trap" can refer to any hidden problem or deceptive situation that causes surprise or trouble.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun (Literal - Explosive Device):
    • The soldiers carefully cleared the path of any booby traps.
    • The old building was rigged with a booby trap on the door.
  • Noun (Figurative - Hidden Problem):
    • The contract was full of legal booby traps for the unwary.
    • The final exam question was a real booby trap for students who didn't read carefully.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be booby-trapped" (verb phrase, passive): To be fitted with a hidden explosive device.
    • The vehicle was booby-trapped and exploded when the engine started.
  • "To booby-trap" (verb): To set or install a hidden explosive device.
    • The retreating forces booby-trapped the bridge.
Variants and Related Words
  • Trap (n/v): A more general term for a device or scheme for catching someone or something unawares.
  • Ambush (n/v): A surprise attack from a concealed position.
  • Snare (n/v): A trap for catching animals, often used metaphorically for a trick.
Synonyms
  • Landmine (specifically for ground-based explosive traps)
  • Ambush (for the concept of a surprise attack)
  • Pitfall (for the figurative meaning of a hidden danger or error)
Related Phrases
  • "A trap for the unwary": A situation or detail likely to cause problems for those who are not careful.
    • The complex tax form is a trap for the unwary.
Related Idioms
  • "To walk into a trap": To unknowingly enter a dangerous or disadvantageous situation.
    • By signing without a lawyer, he walked right into their trap.
booby trap

A hiker carefully avoids a booby trap on the forest trail.

Noun
  1. an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty
  2. an explosive mine hidden underground; explodes when stepped on or driven over

Từ đồng nghĩa