trap card
Hidden game response
A trap card is a strategic element held in reserve to be deployed at a decisive moment.
The term originates from the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, where trap cards are played face-down and activated in response to an opponent's move.
In broader usage, it describes any hidden advantage or countermeasure saved for the right moment: She played her trap card and revealed she'd recorded the whole conversation.
The phrase often implies catching someone off guard or reversing an unfavorable situation.
- activateCause to function
- counterFlat service surface
- spellArrange letters correctly
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- triggerWhat initiates action
ambush · snare · reverse · facedown · negate · chain · monster · response · gotcha · surprise · reveal · flip · timing · discard · graveyard · effect · destroy · banish
- Yu-Gi-Oh!polymerization
trap cardpleasant surprise
Unanticipated positive occurrence
gift · windfall · blessing in disguise · lucky break · fair warning
trap, card, traps, trapped, trapping, trapper, trappers, cards, carded