mousetrap

/ˈmaʊsˌtræp/
verb
  1. To catch or trap someone in a clever or deceptive way.
    • The detective mousetrapped the suspect into confessing.
    • She felt mousetrapped by the contract's fine print.
    • The scam artist mousetrapped several people with promises of easy money.
noun
  1. A small device with a spring that is used to catch or kill mice.
    • He carefully placed the mousetrap along the wall, where mice usually run.
    • We set a mousetrap in the kitchen because we heard scratching at night.
    • The old wooden mousetrap snapped shut as soon as the mouse touched the bait.
  2. Something that is designed to attract and trap people, often in a clever or deceptive way.
    • Investors should be careful not to fall into the mousetrap of get-rich-quick schemes.
    • The low price was a mousetrap; once you signed up, hidden fees appeared.
    • That online quiz is just a mousetrap to collect your personal information.
Synonyms
What does "mousetrap" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean