shoe bomb
Noun: An explosive device that is hidden within the structure of a shoe, specifically in the heel and sole area, intended to be detonated covertly.
This term is used specifically to refer to a type of concealed improvised explosive device (IED). It is almost exclusively used in contexts related to terrorism, aviation security, and counter-terrorism efforts.
- The terrorist attempted to detonate a shoe bomb during the flight.
- Enhanced airport security screenings were implemented globally after the shoe bomb incident.
- The design of the shoe bomb made it difficult for standard security scanners to detect.
The term is historically and specifically associated with the failed attack by Richard Reid on American Airlines Flight 63 in December 2001. It is often used as a case study in discussions about evolving terrorist tactics and aviation security protocols.
- Shoe bomber (noun): The person who attempts to use a shoe bomb.
- The shoe bomber was subdued by passengers and crew.
- Concealed explosive device
- Improvised explosive device (IED) (this is the broader category)
The term "shoe bomb" refers strictly to the explosive device itself. It is a compound noun with a very narrow, technical meaning and is not used in any idiomatic or figurative sense.
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an explosive device concealed inside the heel and sole of a shoe