delayed-action mine

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of explosive device designed to detonate after a predetermined period of time has elapsed following its placement or activation, rather than immediately upon contact or triggering. This delay allows the person or mechanism that set the mine to escape the blast radius.
Usage Examples
  • (An explosive device with a timer, used for strategic ambush.)
  • (Mines that explode after a set time, creating obstacles for the enemy.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to set a delayed-action mine": to activate or arm a mine with a timer mechanism.

    • The engineer set the delayed-action mine to detonate at midnight. (He programmed the explosive to go off at a specific time.)

  • "delayed-action mine field": an area planted with multiple such mines, often used in military tactics to disrupt enemy movements over time.

    • The delayed-action mine field created chaos as explosions continued for hours. (The area was dangerous due to mines exploding at different times.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Delayed-action (adj): describing any device or mechanism that operates after a time delay.

    • The delayed-action fuse ensured the bomb did not explode immediately. (The fuse caused a pause before detonation.)

  • Mine (n): an explosive device placed on or under the ground or water.

    • The mine was hidden beneath the dirt. (A general explosive device.)
Synonyms

  • Time bomb: an explosive device set to detonate at a specific time.

    • The time bomb was found in the abandoned building. (Similar concept but often smaller or portable.)

  • Booby trap with timer: a hidden explosive device that includes a delay mechanism.

    • The booby trap with timer was rigged to the door. (A specific type of trap.)
Related Idioms

  • "a delayed reaction": a response that occurs after a pause (figurative use, not literal mines).

    • His delayed reaction to the joke surprised everyone. (He laughed after a few seconds.)

  • "time is on your side": having the advantage of a delay in a situation (loosely related to the concept of a delayed-action mine's timing).

    • With the delayed-action mine, time was on the soldiers' side. (They could escape before the explosion.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Set off: to cause an explosion.

    • The delayed-action mine set off a chain reaction. (It triggered the blast.)

  • Go off: to explode or detonate.

    • The mine went off exactly as planned. (It exploded at the intended time.)