mousetrap

[mous-trap]

mouse·trap

[mous-trap] noun, verb, mouse·trapped, mouse·trap·ping.
noun
1.
a trap for mice, especially one consisting of a rectangular wooden base on which a metal spring is mounted.
2.
a device, machine, or the like whose structure or function suggests a trap for mice.
3.
a device, system, or stratagem for detecting and catching someone in an unauthorized or illegal act.
4.
Football. trap1 (def. 11).
verb (used with object)
5.
Informal.
a.
to trap or snare: traffic cops mousetrapping drunken drivers.
b.
to manipulate by devious or clever means; trick or outwit: to mousetrap the witness into a contradiction.
6.
Football. trap1 (def. 20).

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Mousetrap is one of our favorite verbs.
So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
to spend time idly; loaf.
7.
build a better mousetrap, to make or offer a superior product.

Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English mous trappe. See mouse, trap1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To mousetrap
Collins
World English Dictionary
mousetrap (ˈmaʊsˌtræp)
 
n
1.  any trap for catching mice, esp one with a spring-loaded metal bar that is released by the taking of the bait
2.  informal (Brit) cheese of indifferent quality

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