minefield
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.
“The old battlefield is a minefield.”
“Discussing politics in that office is a minefield because everyone has strong opinions and no one agrees.”
“Navigating the complex legal landscape of international trade is a minefield for small businesses that lack the resources to hire specialized legal counsel.”
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.