speed trap
Noun: A section of a road where police officers or automated devices (such as radar or cameras) are strategically positioned to detect and catch drivers who are exceeding the speed limit.
A "speed trap" is a specific location or method used for traffic law enforcement. It is a compound noun. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying the enforcement is intended primarily to generate revenue rather than improve safety. - Drivers should be cautious as there is a notorious speed trap on the highway just outside of town. - The town's budget relies heavily on fines from its speed trap. - He got a ticket after being caught in a speed trap on his way to work.
- "to set up a speed trap": This phrase describes the action of police establishing the monitoring point.
- The state police set up a speed trap near the construction zone.
- The concept can be extended metaphorically to describe any situation where rules are strictly and unexpectedly enforced to catch violators.
- The new software update acts like a speed trap for employees who violate the company's internet policy.
- Speed camera (n): An automated device that photographs vehicles exceeding the speed limit; a common type of speed trap.
- The speed camera flashed as the car drove past too quickly.
- Radar trap (n): A synonym for "speed trap," specifically one using radar technology.
- He was fined $200 after being caught in a radar trap.
- Radar trap: A speed trap using radar.
- Enforcement zone: A more formal term for an area where traffic laws are actively monitored.
- "to fall into/become caught in a speed trap": To be the driver who is caught speeding in such an area.
- Many out-of-town drivers fall into the speed trap because the limit changes abruptly.
- "speed trap warning": An alert (often from a GPS device or app) notifying drivers of a known speed trap location.
- My navigation app gave me a speed trap warning, so I slowed down.
While not a traditional idiom, the term "speed trap" is itself a fixed, idiomatic compound noun. It is commonly used in the idiom: - "Beware of the speed trap": A common warning among drivers. - My friend told me, "Beware of the speed trap on Maple Street."
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a trap arranged on a roadway for catching speeders
