bear trap

Spring-loaded jaw snare

A bear trap is a large spring-loaded device with jagged metal jaws, designed to clamp onto a bear's leg when triggered.

The term extends to any situation designed to catch someone unawares: The interview question was a bear trap.

In finance, a bear trap is a false signal that a stock's decline will continue, luring short-sellers before prices reverse upward.

hunting

snare

Device for catching prey

baitLure for prey
poacherUnlawful wildlife taker
gamekeeperEstate wildlife manager

fur trade · wildlife · tracking · camouflage · prey · quarry · trapline · pelt · outdoorsman · stalking

metaphor

snare

Device for catching prey

entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
ployCalculated deceptive tactic

deception · lure · trick · setup · cunning · manipulation · ruse · stratagem · ensnare · sucker

device

jaws

Mouth's bony framework

springRecoiling metal spiral
teethEnamel-covered chewing structures
triggerWhat initiates action

mechanism · steel · clamp · chain · tension · plate · pressure · release · set · arm

danger

hazard

Source of potential harm

perilSerious threat of harm
menaceSource of potential harm
pitfallHidden danger or drawback

ambush · tripwire · hidden · maiming · injury · concealed · lurking · unsuspecting · victim · wound

Categories

trapsmousetrap, deadfall, cage, noose, snare
pitfallspitfall, snare, catch, snag, hitch
market phenomenamarket crash, market bubble, flash crash, correction, bubble
stock marketstock, shares, stocks, trading, stock market
bear marketdecline, downturn, correction, sell-off, downtrend
market movesdip, drop, decline, correction, reversal

Opposites

capture vs. release mechanism

bear traprelease mechanism

Device that unlocks restraint

quick-release · escape route · cage door · freedom

harm vs. protection for animals

bear trapwildlife sanctuary

Protected area for animals

animal shelter · safe haven · rehabilitation center · nature preserve · protected habitat

confinement vs. freedom (metaphorical)

bear trapescape route

Planned exit path

open door · freedom · way out · release · liberation

Family

bear, trap, trapped, bearing, bears, overbearing, unbearable, trapping, bearings

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG