steel trap
1
7.5
- noun
- /stiːl træp/
:
trampa de acero
- The second floor displayed hardware, rifles, and steel traps for gathering pelts.
Examples
-
He set the steel trap near the riverbank to catch raccoons.
-
"Now, Deputy Manning," he said, "are those the seven steel traps, commonly known as leghold traps, that you see on the table?" "I'd have to look at the tags." "Please do so."
Fiction book (1991) -
Let's set it up and see. The device looked like a small steel trap and operated much like one.
Fiction book (1991) -
To catch beavers, they used a steel trap with sharp jaws.
-
The guide explained how to safely set a steel trap for small animals.
Synonyms
752
2.0
A thing that catches and holds animals or tricks people
8
5.2
A trap with a noose used to catch small animals or birds
1
9.9
A trap for catching small animals like rabbits
Surface Forms
Morphology
steel + trap
The image combines 'steel' (strength, hardness) and 'trap' (a device that captures), so a learner who knows both words can plausibly infer a metaphorical meaning of a mind that 'captures' or holds things strongly. The connection is metaphorical and involves a transfer of physical properties to mental ability, so the precise nuance (rapid comprehension and retention) is not fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
Steel trap is a real metal device made of steel with strong springs and sharp jaws that snap shut to catch and hold animals. That's why the name fits: 'a metal trap that catches and holds animals'.