trip wire
Trap's taut line
A trip wire is a wire stretched close to the ground that triggers something when disturbed—originally explosives or alarms, now often cameras or alerts.
The term extends to any mechanism designed to detect intrusion or trigger a response: The new policy includes trip wires for automatic sanctions.
Figuratively, a trip wire is something that sets off an unwanted reaction: His comment hit a trip wire with her.
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- hazardSource of potential harm
- triggerWhat initiates action
- hair triggerUltra-responsive firing mechanism
- set offDepart or trigger
trap · flashpoint · ambush · war zone · catalyst · perimeter · military · tipping point · snare · intrusion detection · domino effect · motion detector · safety · threshold · red flag · hidden danger · alarm · sensor
- slapstickpratfall, banana peel, pie throw, falling down, custard pie
- triggerstrigger, trigger mechanism, trigger assembly, trigger pull, sear
- alarmsalarm, fire alarm, alert, smoke alarm, burglar alarm
- controlsbutton, switch, dial, knob, lever
- prankspranks, prank calls, prank call, prank video, practical jokes
- safety controlspanic button, kill switch, brake, e-stop, circuit breaker
trip wirepressure plate
Weight-activated switch mechanism
motion sensor · proximity sensor · infrared beam · dead man's switch · remote detonator
trip wirewarning sign
Indicator of potential danger
caution tape · guard post · safe passage · clear path · green light
trip wirebuffer zone
Neutral area between rivals
safety margin · cushion · failsafe · shock absorber · cooling-off period