A landmine
Meaning
A hidden danger or problem that can cause serious trouble if encountered.
Origin
While crude explosive devices have been hidden in the ground for centuries, the modern landmine—a weapon specifically designed to be concealed and detonate from pressure—gained horrific prominence during 20th-century warfare. These insidious devices transformed battlefields into zones of invisible, arbitrary danger, where a single misstep could mean catastrophic injury or death. This terrifying reality of sudden, unseen destruction quickly embedded itself into the English lexicon, evolving into a stark metaphor. Today, to call something 'a landmine' conjures the image of a subtle, lurking threat; an issue or situation that appears harmless but carries the potential for sudden, devastating consequences if mishandled or ignored.
Examples
- Negotiating the complex merger agreement was like walking through a field of landmines, with potential legal pitfalls at every turn.
- His unprepared speech was a landmine waiting to explode, full of controversial statements that alienated the audience.