fall into the trap of (doing something)

fall into the trap of (doing something)

To succumb to doing something foolish or irresponsible. After college, I fell into the trap of using credit cards, and I've been deep in debt ever since. Your daughter is so poised and mature for her age. I'm impressed she hasn't fallen into the trap of teenage rebellion. A: "Is there any way to go to med school and also avoid the trap of taking out student loans?" B: "Yeah, find a wealthy benefactor."

See also: fall, of, trap

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

fall into the trap

COMMON If someone falls into the trap of doing something, they make a very common mistake, or one that is very easy to make. School administrators often fall into the trap of thinking that discipline problems are the cause of low levels of achievement. I refuse to fall into the trap of washing his dishes for him.

See also: fall, trap

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

fall into/avoid the trap of doing something

do/avoid doing something that is a mistake but which seems at first to be a good idea: Parents sometimes fall into the trap of trying to do everything for their children.

See also: avoid, fall, of, something, trap

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017