Definition

Noun: 1. A tract of land containing explosive mines: An area of ground, typically a battlefield or a former battlefield, where explosive devices (mines) have been buried or laid to destroy personnel, vehicles, or ships. 2. A situation or subject presenting hidden dangers or problems: A metaphorical extension meaning a complex situation filled with concealed hazards, difficulties, or controversial issues that must be navigated with extreme caution.

Usage Examples

• Literal Meaning:
  • The soldiers carefully marked the perimeter of the mine field to prevent any accidents.
  • Clearing the mine field after the war was a long and dangerous process.
• Figurative Meaning:
  • Discussing office politics can be a mine field if you're not aware of the alliances.
  • The new regulations are a legal mine field for small businesses.

Advanced Usage

• "to be/navigate a mine field": To be in or to carefully move through a situation full of hidden dangers.
  • Negotiating the contract was like navigating a mine field.
• "to be a potential mine field": Describes a situation that could easily develop hidden problems.
  • Merging the two departments is a potential mine field of conflicting cultures.

Variants and Related Words

• Mine (noun): The explosive device itself.
  • The tank drove over an anti-tank mine.
• Mine (verb): The act of laying explosive mines or extracting minerals.
  • The army mined the harbor entrance.
  • The company mines coal in this region.
• Mine-clearing/Mine-sweeping (noun/adj): The process of detecting and removing mines.
  • Mine-clearing operations are essential for safety.

Synonyms

• Hazard zone: An area of danger.
• Peril: Serious and immediate danger (often used figuratively).
• Quagmire: A complex or difficult situation (figurative).

Related Phrases

• To tread carefully/warily: To proceed with great caution, often used in the same contexts as the figurative "mine field."
  • You must tread carefully when bringing up that topic.

Noun

1. a tract of land containing explosive mines