Minefield meaning in English
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Definition
a minefield: a situation in which it is very easy to make a mistake; a place with explosives under the ground
Examples
- "One of the biggest minefields for companies during the hiring process is blunders made by inexperienced managers."
- "The dinner party is a proud US tradition, but can be a minefield for the newcomer to the USA."
Exercise 1
Dinner parties "can be a minefield for the newcomer to the USA".
This means that dinner parties can be for .
This means that dinner parties can be for .
Dinner parties "can be a minefield for the newcomer to the USA".
This means that dinner parties can be difficult 1 for recent immigrants to the USA 2.
This means that dinner parties can be difficult 1 for recent immigrants to the USA 2.
1 difficult: "Difficult" is the closest term to describe "a minefield" in this context. Literally, a "minefield" is an area of land which contains explosives or bombs. You have to watch your feet in these areas! When used as a metaphor, a "minefield" is a hazardous or dangerous situation, which is difficult to negotiate. Example: "Going to my ex's wedding was a minefield".
1 embarrassing: If something is "embarrassing", it "humiliates" us in front of other people. Example: "It was very embarrassing when Icarus's mother visited the office". This does not share a similar meaning with "a minefield".
1 useful: If something is "useful", it "helps us" or "serves a good purpose". Example: "This guide to life in the USA is very useful for me". This does not share a similar meaning with "a minefield".
1 interesting: If something is "interesting", it "intrigues us" or "makes us curious". Example: "Last night I watched an interesting programme about elephants". This does not share a similar meaning with "a minefield".
2 recent immigrants to the USA: This is the best choice here. "Newcomers" to a country, or any other destination, are those who have recently arrived there, or who have not been there for very long. Example: "If you are a newcomer to Paris, you may be surprised by the number of tiny dogs in this city".
2 American expatriates: This does not share a similar meaning with "newcomers to the USA". "American expatriates" are US nationals who have decided to live in a country other than the USA. Example: "I live in Dubai, but most of my friends are also American ex-patriates". Note that we often shorten this term to "ex-pats".
2 illegal immigrants in the USA: This does not share a similar meaning with "newcomers to the USA". An "illegal immigrant" is someone who has come to a country in a manner that breaks the law. Example: "I came to this country as an illegal immigrant but now I'm a politician."
2 students of American English: This does not share a similar meaning with "newcomers to the USA". "Students of American English" are learning the language: they are not necessarily living in America.
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