trap

fall into a trap 

1. Lit. to get caught in a trap. The tiger fell into a trap and leapt out again immediately. The boys tried to get a squirrel to fall into a trap, but squirrels are too clever.

2. and fall into the trap; fall into someone's trap Fig. to become caught in someone's scheme; to be deceived into doing or thinking something. We fell into a trap by asking for an explanation. I fell into his trap when I agreed to drive him home.

See also: fall

have a mind as sharp as a steel trap

Fig. to be very intelligent. She's a smart kid. Has a mind as sharp as a steel trap. They say the professor has a mind as sharp as a steel trap, but then why can't he figure out which bus to take in the morning?

See also: have, mind, sharp, steel

set a trap

to adjust and prepare a trap to catch an animal. Bill set a mousetrap and baited it with cheese. The old man set a trap to catch an annoying squirrel.

See also: set

trap someone or something in something

to catch someone or something in a trap. Jed accidentally trapped Tex in his bear trap. Jerry trapped a rabbit in his trap.

trap someone in something

to catch someone in an inconsistency or contradiction. The lawyer trapped the witness in his inconsistencies. She trapped herself in her own argument.

trap someone into something

to get one into such a position that one has little choice but to do something unwanted. You'll never trap me into going out with Roger! I was trapped into going there.

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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: have, 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 close the door on, close eyes to, shut up shop

See also: shut

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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