ENGLISH
REFERENCE

minefield

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmaɪnˌfiɫd// UK //mˈaɪnfiːld// mine·field

n. a place where there are many hidden explosives, or a situation that is very dangerous and full of problems.

n. an area containing hidden explosives, or a situation characterized by numerous potential pitfalls or dangers.


SIMPLE

The old battlefield is a minefield.

CONTEXTUAL

Discussing politics in that office is a minefield because everyone has strong opinions and no one agrees.

COMPLEX

Navigating the complex legal landscape of international trade is a minefield for small businesses that lack the resources to hire specialized legal counsel.

Origin

From mine + field. Compare Saterland Frisian Mienenfäield (“minefield”), West Frisian mynfjild (“minefield”), Dutch mijnenveld (“minefield”), German Low German Minenfeld (“minefield”), German Minenfeld (“minefield”), Danish minefelt (“minefield”), Swedish minfält (“minefield”).

Idioms1 entry

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