Mousetrap
a trap for mice, especially one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
Football. trap1 (def 11).
Informal.
to trap or snare:
traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit:
to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.
Football. trap1 (def 20).
build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.
Contemporary Examples
Capital Gains: Answering Krugman and Bernstein David Frum January 22, 2012
Blow Dry Bars Are a Thriving Industry Disrupting the Salon Business Kelsey Meany July 12, 2013
Historical Examples
Captain Blood Rafael Sabatini
Highways in Hiding George Oliver Smith
McTeague Frank Norris
Puss Junior and Robinson Crusoe David Cory
A Book of the Play Dutton Cook
Dramatic Technique George Pierce Baker
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2 Various
Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life Honore de Balzac
noun
any trap for catching mice, esp one with a spring-loaded metal bar that is released by the taking of the bait
(Brit, informal) cheese of indifferent quality
n.
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a process for reducing armaments, especially the number of nuclear weapons held by the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., by eliminating several older weapons for each new one that is deployed. Historical Examples The Renaissance of the Vocal Art Edmund Myer Modern Eloquence: Vol II, After-Dinner Speeches E-O Various Reduce, diminish, as in Owing to increased […]
- Build--in
to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials: to build a house. to establish, increase, or strengthen (often followed by up): to build a business; to build up one’s hopes. to mold, form, or create: to build boys into men. to base; found: a relationship built on trust. Games. to make […]
- Build--into
to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials: to build a house. to establish, increase, or strengthen (often followed by up): to build a business; to build up one’s hopes. to mold, form, or create: to build boys into men. to base; found: a relationship built on trust. Games. to make […]