landmine

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An explosive device placed on or under the ground: A "landmine" is a weapon designed to be hidden in the ground that detonates when stepped on or triggered by a person or vehicle, often causing injury or destruction.
    • A hidden danger or obstacle: By extension, "landmine" can refer to a problematic or hazardous situation that is not obvious until encountered.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The soldiers carefully cleared the field of landmines before the village could return. (Explosive devices buried in the ground.)
    • The new regulation is a political landmine for the administration. (A hidden, dangerous issue that could cause problems.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to step on a landmine": to encounter a sudden, serious problem.

    • He stepped on a landmine during the negotiation by mentioning the controversial topic. (He triggered an unexpected conflict.)

  • "landmine of (something)": a source of many hidden dangers.

    • The abandoned factory was a landmine of toxic chemicals. (The site contained numerous hidden hazards.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Landmined (adj): having landmines placed in it.

    • The border area is heavily landmined. (The area contains many hidden explosive devices.)

  • Minefield (n): an area planted with landmines; also used figuratively for a situation full of risks.

    • The project is a minefield of legal issues. (The project has many hidden legal dangers.)
Synonyms
  • Explosive trap: a device designed to explode when triggered.
  • Hazard: a source of danger.
  • Booby trap: a hidden explosive or dangerous device.
Related Idioms

  • "a ticking time bomb": a situation that is likely to become dangerous or problematic in the near future (similar to the hidden danger of a landmine).

    • The unresolved conflict is a ticking time bomb for the region. (It will soon cause serious trouble.)

  • "walking on eggshells": to act very carefully to avoid upsetting someone or causing a problem (similar to avoiding hidden dangers).

    • Since the argument, they have been walking on eggshells around each other. (They are extremely cautious to avoid conflict.)

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