pitfall

• Nom désignant un danger caché ou inattendu, une difficulté ou un piège, que ce soit au sens propre (piège dissimulé) ou au sens figuré (problème imprévu).

A noun referring to a hidden or unsuspected danger, difficulty, or trap, whether literal (a concealed hole) or figurative (an unforeseen problem).

1. Hidden danger or difficultyB2formal

   An unexpected or hidden problem that can cause trouble or failure.

   piège caché

   • One common pitfall of investing is not diversifying your portfolio.
   • The project had many pitfalls that the team had to navigate.
   • He warned me about the pitfalls of starting a business without a plan.

   Synonymescatchdangerdifficultydownsidedrawbackhazardperilsnaretrap

2. Concealed trapB2formal

   A hidden hole or trap used to catch animals or people.

   piège dissimulé

   • The hunter dug a pitfall to capture the wild boar.
   • Ancient warriors used pitfalls as a defensive strategy.
   • The explorer fell into a pitfall covered with leaves.

   Synonymesbooby trapmantrappitsnaretrap