bouncing betty

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Explanation of "Bouncing Betty"

Definition: A "bouncing betty" is a type of land mine that is designed to explode at a certain height above the ground when someone steps on it. It is primarily used in military contexts and is considered very dangerous.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Typically used in discussions about military equipment, warfare, or landmine safety.

Example Sentence

• "The soldiers were trained to recognize and avoid areas where bouncing betties might be hidden."

Advanced Usage

In military discussions or historical texts, "bouncing betty" might be used to illustrate the dangers of landmines in warfare or to discuss the impact of such weapons on civilian populations.

Word Variants

• None: "Bouncing betty" is a specific term and does not have widely used variants.

Different Meanings

• Literal Meaning: In a military context, it refers specifically to the land mine.
• Figurative Meaning: Informally, it might be used to describe something that surprises or catches someone off guard, though this usage is not common.

Synonyms

• Land mine: A general term for any explosive device placed on or just under the ground.
• Antipersonnel mine: A broader term for mines designed to target people rather than vehicles.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• No specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly relate to "bouncing betty," as it is a specific military term.

Conclusion

"Bouncing betty" is a term used mainly in military contexts to describe a specific type of land mine that poses a significant risk to individuals.

Academic

Noun

1. an antipersonnel land mine