mine field
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a tract of land containing explosive mines