land mine

• Artefacto explosivo colocado sobre o ligeramente bajo la superficie del suelo, diseñado para detonar al ser pisado o al acercarse. También se usa en sentido figurado para referirse a una dificultad oculta o inesperada que puede causar graves problemas.

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.

   Mina terrestre

   • 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.

   trampa oculta / peligro latente

   • 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.