landmine
B2Formal, Military, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A concealed explosive device placed on or under the ground, designed to detonate when disturbed.
Any hidden or unexpected source of danger, difficulty, or controversy that can suddenly cause significant problems.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The figurative use is common in professional and journalistic contexts to describe unforeseen obstacles. Can evoke strong emotional connotations of hidden danger and tragic consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'landmine' predominantly. The spelling is consistent. No significant usage differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations of lethal, hidden danger in both literal and figurative senses.
Frequency
Equal frequency. The word is internationally standardized due to its military and humanitarian context.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The army cleared the landmines from the road.The new policy proved to be a political landmine.They were killed by a landmine.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a standard idiom, but used figuratively as in 'to navigate a landmine' or 'a conversational landmine']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a hidden clause in a contract or an unforeseen market risk that could severely damage a company.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and ethics discussions regarding warfare, humanitarian law, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Everyday
Used literally in news reports about war zones. Figuratively, to describe a sensitive topic that causes an argument.
Technical
A specific class of munition in military engineering and disarmament treaties (e.g., Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The area was heavily landmined during the conflict.
- They feared the retreating forces would landmine the bridges.
American English
- The insurgents landmined the main supply route.
- The treaty prohibits the use of landmined areas.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- Landmine clearance is a dangerous and costly operation.
- They are raising funds for landmine victims.
American English
- The landmine threat delayed the humanitarian convoy.
- She works for a landmine awareness charity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sign warned of landmines.
- Landmines are very dangerous.
- The soldiers were trained to find and disable landmines.
- After the war, many fields still had hidden landmines.
- The journalist's question about the scandal was a political landmine for the minister.
- International charities work to clear landmines and educate local populations.
- The fragile peace agreement was jeopardised by the landmine of unresolved territorial disputes.
- Decades after the conflict ended, unexploded landmines continue to claim lives and limbs, crippling agricultural development.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LAND + MINE. A 'mine' for valuable ore is dug into the land. A 'landmine' is also buried in the land, but it 'mines' for victims.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE BURIED EXPLOSIVES / DANGER IS HIDDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'наземная мина' is correct but less common than просто 'мина'. Ensure context specifies it is a ground-based explosive, not a naval mine ('морская мина').
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words ('land mine') is acceptable but 'landmine' is more common as a single word in modern usage. Using it as a verb is rare and non-standard.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does 'landmine' typically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'landmine' (closed) and 'land mine' (open) are found, but the single-word form is more common in contemporary usage.
Yes, but it is rare and typically used in military or journalistic contexts (e.g., 'The border was landmined'). The more common phrasing is 'to plant landmines'.
In modern usage, 'mine' can refer to various types (land, sea, tunnel). 'Landmine' is specific to explosives buried in or placed on the ground. In figurative speech, 'landmine' is more common than 'mine' for hidden social or professional dangers.
It effectively conveys the idea of a danger that is concealed, unexpected, and has the potential to cause disproportionate damage when triggered, much like a literal explosive.