pitfall
Concealed hazard ahead
A pitfall is a hidden danger or unexpected difficulty—something that catches you off guard: the pitfalls of online dating, common pitfalls for first-time homebuyers.
The word comes from actual pit traps: holes covered with branches or leaves to capture animals or enemies.
The figurative sense now dominates completely.
Device for catching prey
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- tripwireConcealed activation cord
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
bait · lure · net · noose · entrapment · mantrap · deadfall · trapdoor
Source of potential harm
Unfavorable circumstance or condition
- downsideDisadvantage of something
- shortcomingA fault or weakness
- flawImperfection in something
- weaknessDeficiency in force
deficiency · limitation · negative · con · liability · detriment · problem · issue
Fault in communication
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- misstepError in action or judgment
- slipMinor error or misstep
- gaffeClumsy social error
oversight · miscalculation · false move · rookie mistake · lesson learned · cautionary tale · warning
Obstacle causing difficulty
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
roadblock · setback · complication · difficulty · challenge · snag · hitch · catch
snare
Device for catching prey
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- tripwireConcealed activation cord
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
decoy · bait · lure · net · noose · entrapment · mantrap · deadfall · trapdoor · concealment
hazard
Source of potential harm
menace · jeopardy · vulnerability · exposure · precariousness
disadvantage
Unfavorable circumstance or condition
- downsideDisadvantage of something
- shortcomingA fault or weakness
- flawImperfection in something
weakness · deficiency · limitation · negative · con · liability · detriment · problem · issue · failing
error
Fault in communication
gaffe · oversight · miscalculation · false move · rookie mistake · lesson learned · cautionary tale · warning
stumbling block
Obstacle causing difficulty
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- hurdleBarrier to leap over
barrier · roadblock · setback · complication · difficulty · challenge · snag · hitch · catch · bottleneck
pitfallsafeguard
Precaution against harm
protection · refuge · shelter · haven · shield
pitfallblessing in disguise
Apparent misfortune yielding benefit
advantage · benefit · hidden gem · windfall · opportunity
pitfalladvantage
Favorable position or circumstance
benefit · opportunity · asset · boon · stepping stone