pitfall

/ˈpɪtˌfɔl/
noun
  1. A hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty.
    • New investors should be aware of the pitfalls of putting all their money into one stock.
    • One common pitfall of online shopping is forgetting to check the return policy.
    • The guide warned us about the pitfalls of hiking alone in the desert without enough water.
  2. A covered pit used as a trap for catching animals or people.
    • A pitfall is a simple but effective trap used since prehistoric times.
    • The soldiers avoided the pitfalls hidden under leaves and branches.
    • Ancient hunters dug pitfalls along animal trails to capture prey.
Antonyms
What does "pitfall" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean