Word
minefield
Phoneticsmine·field, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪnˌfiɫd/
UK/mˈaɪnfiːld/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“Going to the supermarket has become a minefield.” “Even with more people breaking down sexual and gender binaries, however, dating can still be a minefield for those who identify as non-binary.” “So how do we pick our way through this ethical minefield?” Etymology
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.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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