land mine

• Eine explosive Vorrichtung, die auf oder knapp unter der Erdoberfläche platziert wird und bei Druck oder Annäherung detoniert. Im übertragenen Sinn auch eine verborgene oder unerwartete Gefahr, die ernste Probleme verursachen kann.

An explosive device placed on or just below the ground, designed to detonate when triggered by pressure or proximity. Also used figuratively to describe a hidden or unexpected problem that can cause serious trouble.

1. B2formal

   An explosive device placed on or just below the ground, designed to detonate when triggered by pressure or proximity.

   Sprengvorrichtung

   • The soldiers carefully cleared the field of land mines.
   • Land mines remain a serious threat in post-conflict zones.
   • Many civilians have been injured by undetected land mines.

2. Hidden danger or problemB2informal

   A situation or issue that is likely to cause unexpected trouble or difficulty.

   Versteckte Gefahr oder Problem

   • The contract was full of legal land mines.
   • Negotiating with him is tricky; every question is a potential land mine.
   • Be careful with that topic—it's a political land mine.