rat-trap

A cyclist carefully replaces the worn rat-trap pedal on his bicycle.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for trapping rats: A "rat-trap" is a mechanical apparatus designed to catch or kill rats, typically consisting of a spring-loaded bar or a cage.
   • A pedal on a bicycle: In informal usage, a "rat-trap" refers to a type of bicycle pedal with serrated edges or teeth that grip the shoe, often used for racing or rough terrain.
   • The mouth (slang): In slang, a "rat-trap" can denote the mouth, especially when speaking excessively or indiscreetly.

Usage Examples

• A device for trapping rats:

  • He set a rat-trap in the basement to catch the rodents. (A mechanical device used to capture rats.)
  • The old barn had several rat-traps placed along the walls. (Multiple traps for vermin control.)

• A pedal on a bicycle:

  • She replaced her standard pedals with rat-traps for better grip during the race. (Serrated bicycle pedals for improved traction.)
  • The cyclist's rat-trap pedals clicked loudly as he rode. (Bicycle pedals with teeth.)

• The mouth (slang):

  • Shut your rat-trap and listen! (A rude command to stop talking.)
  • He opened his rat-trap and said something foolish. (His mouth.)

Advanced Usage

• "to set a rat-trap": to prepare a trap for rats.

  • The farmer set a rat-trap in the grain store. (He placed the device to catch rats.)

• "to spring a rat-trap": to activate or trigger the trap.

  • The rat accidentally sprung the rat-trap while searching for food. (The trap was triggered.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rat-trap (adj): describing something that resembles or functions like a rat-trap, often used for a type of pedal.

  • He bought a set of rat-trap pedals for his bicycle. (Pedals with a gripping design.)

• Rattrap (n): an alternative spelling, less common but accepted.

  • The old rattrap was rusty and ineffective. (A device for trapping rats.)

Synonyms

• Trap: a general device for capturing animals.
• Snare: a looped trap for catching animals.
• Pedal: a foot-operated lever on a bicycle (for the bicycle sense).
• Mouth: the oral cavity (for the slang sense).

Phrasal Verbs

• Set a rat-trap: to place a rat-trap in a location.

  • He set a rat-trap behind the cupboard. (He positioned the trap.)

• Spring a rat-trap: to cause the trap to activate.

  • She accidentally sprung the rat-trap when she stepped on it. (She triggered the trap.)

Related Idioms

• Like a rat in a trap: feeling trapped or cornered, with no escape.

  • He was like a rat in a trap, unable to leave the meeting. (He felt stuck and helpless.)

• Rat-trap mind: a state of mental agitation or obsessive thoughts (rare usage).

  • His anxiety left him with a rat-trap mind, unable to focus. (A mind caught in a cycle of worry.)