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mousetrapped

mousetrapped

1 9.6
Tricked into a situation that is hard to leave
  • adjective
: atrapado
  • After making several poor investments, he found himself mousetrapped in a financial situation he couldn't escape.

Examples

  • The sudden policy changes left many small businesses feeling mousetrapped and uncertain about their future.

  • The clever marketing strategy left the competition feeling mousetrapped and unable to respond effectively.

  • Is there obsolescent risk, a better blockchain, a better mousetrap that can come by and instantly Bitcoin is like Blockbuster Video.

Synonyms

trapped
vsmousetrapped
361 4.4

Unable to escape from a dangerous place or situation, for example when surrounded by attackers

is caused by deception or entrapment rather than direct force
cornered
vsmousetrapped
22 4.5

In a place where you cannot escape and must face someone

is more about being deceived and stuck rather than surrounded and confronted

Antonyms

7 4.9

Free from traditional social rules in behavior and personal relationships

How Trapped

trapped
361 4.4
mousetrapped
1 9.6
cornered
22 4.5
stuck
690 1.0

Surface Forms

mousetrapped positive

Morphology

mousetrapped = mousetrap (semi-transparent) = mouse + trap + ed

Metaphorical extension from being caught in a mousetrap to being stuck in a situation; related to the base but non-literal.

Etymology

Mousetrapped uses the image of a mousetrap holding a small animal, and a helpful way to remember it is to imagine being held fast by a snap. That's why the word can mean being 'trapped' in a situation or deal you cannot escape.