trip wires
Hidden activation cords
Trip wires are thin wires stretched close to the ground that trigger something when disturbed—originally explosive devices or alarms, now also cameras or lights.
Figuratively, trip wires are thresholds that set off consequences: The spending cap served as a trip wire for automatic budget cuts.
A trip wire may also signal when a situation has crossed into dangerous territory.
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- hidden dangerConcealed risk or peril
- detectionAct of finding something
- trapsDevices for catching prey
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
covert ops · landmine · hazards · alarm · activation · sensor · triggers · trigger mechanism · hair trigger · set off · tension · perimeter defense · security perimeter · filament · string · cord · domino effect · fail safe
- Vietnam WarVietnam War, Vietnam, Tet Offensive, My Lai Massacre, Viet Cong
trip wiresmotion sensors
Devices detecting physical movement
radar detection · infrared sensors · thermal imaging · sonar · remote sensing
trip wireswarning signs
Indicators of impending danger
floodlights · security cameras · guard dogs · fences · checkpoints