trap

a death trap

a building, road, or vehicle which is very dangerous and which could cause people to die. The whole house was a death trap with faulty gas fires, broken stairs, and bad wiring. The road becomes a death trap in icy weather.

See also: death

fall into the trap of doing something

to do something which is not wise although it seemed to be a good idea when you decided to do it. Don't fall into the trap of buying the extra insurance.

See also: fall

have a mind like a steel trap

to be able to think very quickly, clearly and intelligently. She'll be a brilliant lawyer - she has a mind like a steel trap.

See also: like, mind, steel

Shut your face/gob/mouth/trap! (very informal)

an impolite way of telling someone to stop talking. 'That was a really stupid thing to do.' 'Oh, shut your trap!' 'Shut your face, will you? I'm trying to watch TV.'

See also: face, mouth, shut

---

fall into the trap of doing something

to become involved in something. Don't fall into the trap of deciding to buy a more expensive house than you can afford because someone says it is a good investment.

See also: fall