mousetrap
Spring-loaded pest killer
A mousetrap is a device for catching or killing mice, typically a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps shut when triggered.
The word extends to any trap or scheme designed to lure someone into a compromising position: The police set up a mousetrap for the smugglers.
To mousetrap is to catch someone this way.
A mousetrap can also be something basic but effective—the standard against which improvements are measured: Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.
Recoiling metal spiral
- triggerWhat initiates action
- snapSudden sharp sound
- platformRaised flat structure
- woodenMade from timber
plastic · metal · wire · clamp · humane · Victor · electronic · reusable
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- setupHow something is arranged
- enticementSomething that attracts
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
ambush · lure · deception · stratagem · ruse · snare · pitfall · con
Powered by compressed coil
- triggerWhat initiates action
- leverPivoting bar for lifting
- tensionStretched or strained state
- releaseTo let go
latch · snap · mechanical · sensitivity · hair-trigger · pivot · coil · reset
Fermented milk solid
- lureThing that tempts
- attractantAgent that draws toward
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
enticement · chocolate · bacon · cracker · seed
Seize or snag
- snareDevice for catching prey
- ensnareCatch by trickery
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
- secureProtected from harm
contain · hold · detain · quick · instant · effective · successful · failed
Hand's grasping extension
- injuryPhysical or psychological harm
- snapSudden sharp sound
- painBodily or emotional distress
- accidentalOccurring by chance
child-safe · precaution · warning · careful · handling · disposal · sanitary · gloves
spring
Recoiling metal spiral
wooden · plastic · metal · wire · clamp · humane · Victor · electronic · reusable · disposable
scheme
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- setupHow something is arranged
- enticementSomething that attracts
gambit · ambush · lure · deception · stratagem · ruse · snare · pitfall · con · honeypot
spring-loaded
Powered by compressed coil
release · latch · snap · mechanical · sensitivity · hair-trigger · pivot · coil · reset · actuation
cheese
Fermented milk solid
- lureThing that tempts
- attractantAgent that draws toward
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
catch
Seize or snag
secure · contain · hold · detain · quick · instant · effective · successful · failed · empty
finger
Hand's grasping extension
accidental · child-safe · precaution · warning · careful · handling · disposal · sanitary · gloves · hygiene
whodunit
Crime fiction identifying perpetrator
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
- BroadwayManhattan theatrical district
- longest-runningOperating for greatest duration
theater · stage · farce · comedy · doors · slamming · timing · revival · amateur · production
- pest controlinsecticide, pesticide, exterminator, pesticides, fumigator
- rodent trapsbait station
- trapsdeadfall, cage, noose, snare, pitfall
- catchersbackstop, receiver, bug catcher, rat catcher, dog catcher
- HamletHamlet, Claudius, Ophelia, Gertrude, Polonius
- Rube Goldbergchain reaction, domino effect, marble run, domino, pulley
mousetraprelease mechanism
Device that unlocks restraint
escape hatch · open door · freedom · exit · cage
mousetrapdelight
Intense pleasure or satisfaction
safe haven · sanctuary · windfall · pleasant surprise · gift
- build a better mousetrapImprove on existing solutions
- The MousetrapDevice for catching mice