fall into the trap

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.
See also: fall, of, trap

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
References in classic literature ?
I upbraided myself for my absurd superstition, which had caused me to fall into the trap.
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Political work must not fall into the trap of sectarianism, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa stressed.
PROTECTING BAHRAIN
It is sadly all too easy to fall into the trap of believing that there is no hope for the economy but JLR''s announcement of increased sales and job recruitment puts paid to the lie.
Hard work triumphs; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
GERMANY star Mesut Ozil has refused to fall into the trap of eyeing a "dream final" against Spain at the European Championship but was confident of ending his country's Italy jinx.
Ozil keeps focus on semi-final
Porto are unlikely to fall into the trap but they may need patience.
Porto face a game of patience
Sir, With regard to Tesco's new pricing offensive, I hope Tesco doesn't fall into the trap of thinking price is everything.
Make the most of community links!
As Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls writes in the Sunday Mirror, the unions should not fall into the trap.
Keep clear of sly Cam's trap
By borrowing something from the bad tradition of the restrictive politics, the governments fall into the trap of too high ambitions to introduce order through "propaganda tyranny.
Summer of protests
WHEN discussing the green economy and green jobs, we mustn't fall into the trap of seeing them as if they are something different to the economy as a whole.
Challenges of a green economy
I then tie a female bird under the bag and wait for male birds to fall into the trap before pulling the rope" Rihani explains.
Amid crackdown on rifles, southern hunter uses the lure of sex to trap his birds
ISLAMABAD, December 04, 2009 (Balochistan Times): In India the ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah Friday asked the groups chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa not to fall into the trap of Indian government by holding a dialogue.
Dont be trapped by Indian Government: ULFA commander
Wake up, City, before you fall into the trap that Leeds United and bigger clubs than Cardiff have fallen into.
Home-grown talent needed; VIEWPOINTS
IT'S easy to fall into the trap of remembering The Byrds as a country-rock band thanks to Sweetheart Of The Rodeo but they built their success on folk foundations.
music: folk & roots; ROGER McGUINN Live At The XM Studios (emusic)
Renee Fraser, who launched her own ad agency after working for Bozell and Young & Rubicam, says businesswomen sometimes fall into the trap of settling for less.
WOMEN IN CHARGE NURTURING THE BOTTOM LINE
Do not fall into the trap of just telling me what you have now.
Commander's corner
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