pitfall
/'pitfɔ:l/
Definition
Noun: 1. A trap in the form of a concealed hole: A literal hidden pit dug to capture animals or people. 2. An unforeseen or unexpected difficulty: A hidden danger, problem, or mistake that one might encounter, often in a process or undertaking.
Usage Examples
- Literal Meaning (Concealed Hole):
- Hunters in ancient times would dig pitfalls to catch large animals.
- The jungle path was dangerous, with many hidden pitfalls.
- Figurative Meaning (Hidden Difficulty):
- One common pitfall for new investors is putting all their money into a single stock.
- The contract seemed simple, but our lawyer pointed out several legal pitfalls.
- A major pitfall of learning a language without a teacher is developing bad pronunciation habits.
Advanced Usage
- "to avoid the pitfalls of (something)": To steer clear of the common hidden problems associated with a particular activity.
- This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls of starting your own business.
- "fraught with pitfalls": Describes a situation or process that is full of hidden dangers or problems.
- Negotiating the merger was a process fraught with pitfalls.
Variants and Related Words
- Pitfall trap (n): A specific type of trap consisting of a container sunk into the ground, used by entomologists to catch insects.
- Pitfalled (adj, rare): Describing an area containing pitfalls. (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Trap: A device or scheme for catching someone or something.
- Hazard: A danger or risk.
- Snare: A trap for catching animals, often using a noose; also used figuratively.
- Difficulty: A thing that is hard to accomplish, deal with, or understand.
- Peril: Serious and immediate danger.
Related Phrases
- Hidden danger: A risk that is not immediately obvious.
- Unexpected obstacle: Something that blocks one's path or hinders progress, which was not anticipated.
Related Idioms
- "A stumbling block": An obstacle or difficulty that causes hesitation or failure.
- While the budget was approved, the new regulations became a major stumbling block. (This is similar to a pitfall but implies something one trips over rather than falls into.)
- "A catch-22": A paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules or limitations. This is a specific, complex type of pitfall.
- He needed experience to get the job, but he needed the job to get experience—a classic catch-22.
Noun
-
a trap in the form of a concealed hole
-
an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty
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