# quicksand

/ˈkwɪkˌsænd/ (US) · /kwˈɪksænd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quicksand
Updated: 2026-10-08

## Definition

a deep mass of loose, wet sand that looks solid but will pull you down if you step on it. It is often found near water or in marshes.

For teachers: a deep mass of loose sand mixed with water that yields under weight and traps objects or organisms. Often used metaphorically to describe a difficult situation that is hard to escape.

## Examples

- The hikers stayed away from the wet riverbank to avoid quicksand.
- In the movie, the hero almost drowns in quicksand before his friend pulls him out with a long rope.
- The legal dispute became a professional quicksand, slowly consuming his time and resources until he had no energy left for his actual work.

## Synonyms

mire, quagmire

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.