Set a trap Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɛt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtɹæp
SET-uh-TRAP
sˈɛt/ /æɪ/ /tɹˈæp
SET-uh-TRAP
Definition
To prepare something (like a device or plan) that will catch or trick a person or animal, often by surprise.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used literally (for animals) and figuratively (for tricking people). Usually describes deliberate plans. Collocates with 'for' (set a trap for someone). In stories, detectives or villains may 'set a trap.'
Spanish: poner una trampaPortuguese (BR): armar uma armadilhaPortuguese (PT): montar uma armadilhaChinese (Simplified): 设下陷阱Chinese (Traditional): 設下陷阱Hindi: जाल बिछानाArabic: نصب فخBengali: ফাঁদ পাতা - ফাঁদ তৈরি করাRussian: ловушку поставить - устроить западнюJapanese: 罠を仕掛ける - 罠をかけるVietnamese: giăng bẫy - đặt bẫyKorean: 함정을仕掛다 - 덫을 놓다Turkish: tuzak kurmak - pusu kurmakUrdu: جال بچھانا - پھندا لگاناIndonesian: memasang perangkap - menjebak
Example Sentences
They set a trap for the mouse in the kitchen.
basic
The police set a trap to catch the thief.
basic
He tried to set a trap for his brother as a prank.
basic
If you ask me, it feels like someone set a trap for him at work.
natural
Be careful—sometimes people set a trap just to see if you’ll make a mistake.
natural
They tried to set a trap, but she saw it coming and avoided it.
natural