trip wire

• Alambre tensado cerca del suelo que activa un mecanismo, como una alarma o explosivo, cuando alguien tropieza con él. También se usa en sentido figurado para referirse a un asunto delicado o un posible desencadenante que puede provocar una reacción o un problema.

A wire stretched close to the ground that triggers a mechanism, such as an alarm or explosive, when someone trips over it. Also used figuratively to describe a sensitive issue or potential trigger that could cause a reaction or problem.

1. Hidden trigger wireB2formal

   A wire stretched low to the ground that triggers a trap or alarm when someone trips over it.

   alambre de trampa

   • The soldiers carefully avoided the trip wire near the enemy camp.
   • A trip wire was set up to alert the guards of intruders.
   • He stumbled over a trip wire and set off the alarm.

2. Sensitive issue or triggerC1informal

   A situation, statement, or condition that is likely to cause a strong reaction or conflict.

   Tema sensible o detonante

   • The topic of politics is a trip wire in their family gatherings.
   • His comment about her past was a trip wire that started an argument.
   • Avoiding that subject is wise; it's a real trip wire.