trou-de-loup

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The word "trou-de-loup" is a French term that translates to "wolf pit" in English. It is a noun that describes a type of trap used in the past, particularly in military contexts. Here’s a simple explanation:

Definition:

Trou-de-loup (noun): A sloping pit with a stake or sharp object in the middle, designed to trap or injure enemies.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "trou-de-loup" when discussing historical warfare, traps, or obstacles designed to protect an area from intruders.
• It is often used in a literal sense, but can also be used metaphorically to describe any kind of trap or tricky situation.

Example Sentence:

"The soldiers set up several trou-de-loups around the fortress to prevent the enemy from advancing."

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, you might encounter discussions about the strategy behind using such traps in warfare or literature that uses it symbolically to represent challenges or dangers in life.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "trou-de-loup" in English, but it is sometimes referred to in a broader context as a "trap" or "obstacle."

Different Meanings:

While "trou-de-loup" specifically refers to a type of trap, in a broader context, the word "trap" can refer to any situation or device that catches or holds something or someone.

Synonyms:

• Trap
• Pitfall
• Snare

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "trou-de-loup," you might consider phrases like "fall into a trap," which conveys a similar idea of becoming ensnared in a difficult situation.

Academic

Noun

1. a sloping pit with a stake in the middle used as an obstacle to the enemy