noun
minefield
MYN-feeld
noun
1
An area of ground or water seeded with hidden explosive mines.
"The retreating army left a minefield along the border."
2
A situation full of hidden risks, pitfalls, or complications.
"Talking about salaries at work can be a real minefield."
"Planning a wedding with two big families is a political minefield."
How to Use Minefield
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally a field planted with explosives, or figuratively any situation loaded with hidden dangers.
Common pairings
a legal minefield
a political minefield
navigate a minefield
clear a minefield
Word Forms
minefields plural
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The retreating army left a _____ along the border.
Etymology
A compound of "mine" (explosive device) and "field," originally military terminology for ground seeded with landmines.