minefield

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A matter or situation presenting multiple risks, dangers, complications or difficulties.

   Be careful. Foreign property investments are a minefield, and some people have lost a lot of money.

2. 2
   noun

   a region in which explosives mines have been placed

3. 3
   noun

   An area in which land mines or naval mines have been laid.

4. 4
   noun

   A pitch that has dried out and crumbled and on which the ball is bouncing and spinning unpredictably.

5. 5
   noun

   A quiz that terminates when the test-taker answers a question incorrectly.

Etymology

From mine + field. Compare Saterland Frisian Mienenfäield (“minefield”), West Frisian mynfjild (“minefield”), Dutch mijnenveld (“minefield”), German Low German Minenfeld (“minefield”), German Minenfeld (“minefield”), Danish minefelt (“minefield”), Swedish minfält (“minefield”).