tripwires
Hidden stumbling strings
Tripwires are wires stretched low across a path, designed to trigger something when disturbed—originally explosives or alarms, now often cameras or alerts.
The term extends to any mechanism that activates when a threshold is crossed: The contract included tripwires that would void the deal if sales dropped.
In finance and policy, tripwires are preset conditions that automatically trigger action: The spending tripwire kicks in at $50 million.
Buried pressure-activated explosive
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- detonatorExplosive initiation device
- explosiveProne to sudden detonation
ambush · IED · fortification · reconnaissance · infiltration · patrol · sentry · alarm
Urgent warning signal
- sensorInput-detecting device
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- detectionAct of finding something
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
surveillance · motion detector · breach · intruder · property · fence · laser · infrared
What initiates action
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- catalystAgent enabling change
- provocationAct that triggers response
- flashpointIgnition temperature threshold
escalation · precondition · boundary · warning sign · red line · breaking point · mechanism · domino effect
Punitive international restrictions
- allianceFormal union of parties
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
NATO · commitment · provocation · incursion · retaliation · mutual defense · Article 5 · red line
landmine
Buried pressure-activated explosive
- booby trapHidden device to harm
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- detonatorExplosive initiation device
explosive · ambush · IED · fortification · reconnaissance · infiltration · patrol · sentry · alarm · defense
alarm
Urgent warning signal
perimeter · surveillance · motion detector · breach · intruder · property · fence · laser · infrared · alert
trigger
What initiates action
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- catalystAgent enabling change
- provocationAct that triggers response
flashpoint · escalation · precondition · boundary · warning sign · red line · breaking point · mechanism · domino effect · safeguard
sanctions
Punitive international restrictions
- allianceFormal union of parties
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
escalation · NATO · commitment · provocation · incursion · retaliation · mutual defense · Article 5 · red line · ultimatum
- Viet CongViet Cong, VC, Charlie, guerrillas, guerrilla fighters
tripwiresmotion sensors
Devices detecting physical movement
radar detection · infrared sensors · thermal imaging · satellite monitoring · CCTV cameras
tripwireswarning signs
Indicators of impending danger
floodlights · guard towers · security guards · watchtowers · patrol dogs