rat trap

Cheese-baited device

A rat trap is a device for catching or killing rats, typically a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps shut when triggered.

The term extends to any confined, squalid, or run-down place: This apartment is a rat trap.

A situation that lures someone into danger or difficulty may also be called a rat trap.

pest-control

exterminator

One who eradicates vermin

mice · rats · extermination · sanitation · bait · poison · rodenticide · anticoagulant · fumigation · pest management

device

spring

Recoiling metal spiral

  • snapSudden sharp sound
  • triggerWhat initiates action
  • cageBarred confinement structure

glue · mechanism · bait station · humane · electronic · wooden · metal · plastic · disposable · reusable

metaphor

setup

How something is arranged

  • stingSharp wound from insect
  • lureThing that tempts
  • ambushSurprise strike from concealment

snare · decoy · scheme · ploy · manipulation · honeypot · bait and switch · con · ruse · deception

danger

hazard

Source of potential harm

  • deadlyAble to cause expiration
  • lethalCausing or capable of death
  • toxicCapable of causing harm

unsafe · injury · precarious · warning · caution · keep away · misfire · accidental

slang

jalopy

Dilapidated old vehicle

heap · wreck · hooptie · bucket · old car · rundown · dilapidated · fixer-upper

Categories
Opposites
pest control method

rat traprat poison

Toxic substance targeting rodents

rodenticide · fumigation · bait station · poison bait · natural predator

threat vs. safety for rats

rat traprat nest

Rodent dwelling or tangled mess

safe harbor · hiding place

confinement vs. freedom

rat trapopen field

Unenclosed outdoor space

freedom · escape route · release · the wild · open space

Family

rattraps

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