honey trap
The use of a romantic or a sexual relationship to entice a person into revealing secret information.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The spy fell for a honey trap.”
“The agent realized too late that his new acquaintance was actually a honey trap designed to steal classified documents.”
“The intelligence agency orchestrated a sophisticated honey trap, successfully compromising the diplomat by exploiting his personal vulnerabilities to secure the state secrets.”
first recorded 20th c.
Popularized by John le Carré in the novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974).
- 01
fall into a trap
To make a mistake, a bad decision or act senselessly and get into an extremely difficult situation.
- 02
fly out of the traps
to start quickly.
- 03
heffalump trap
A situation where an attempt to trap or outwit someone ends up backfiring on the original schemer.
- 04
honey do list
A collection of requests, usually a list of household tasks assigned by a partner.
- 05
honey hole
A location or situation which yields something of significant value.
- 06
pour honey in one's ear
To tell one something pleasing or flattering.
- 07
pour honey on
To praise or encourage wholeheartedly.
- 08
race out of the traps
To start something very quickly.
Last updated August 10, 2026