potato-trap

A child accidentally steps on a potato-trap in the garden.

Definition

1. Noun (slang):
   • Mouth: "potato-trap" is a humorous or derogatory slang term for the human mouth, often used in the context of speaking or eating.

Usage Examples

• (A rude command to stop talking.)
• (He ate quickly or greedily.)

Advanced Usage

• "to keep one's potato-trap shut": to remain silent.
  • I told him to keep his potato-trap shut about the surprise. (I asked him not to reveal the secret.)

Variants and Related Words

• Potato-box (n, slang): a synonym for "potato-trap," meaning the mouth.
  • Close your potato-box! (Stop talking.)

Synonyms

• Mouth: the standard term for the oral cavity.
• Trap (slang): a derogatory term for the mouth.
• Gob (British slang): the mouth.
• Yap (slang): a person's mouth, especially when talking too much.

Related Idioms

• Shut your trap: a rude command to be quiet.

  • Just shut your trap and listen! (Stop talking and pay attention.)

• Keep your mouth shut: to remain silent.

  • He knew to keep his mouth shut about the plan. (He stayed quiet.)

Notes

• "Potato-trap" is informal, dated, and considered vulgar or impolite. It is rarely used in modern English except for humorous or emphatic effect.