mind like a steel trap, have a

Idioms and Phrases

Be very quick to understand something, as in Aunt Ida may be old, but she still has a mind like a steel trap . This simile likens the snapping shut of an animal trap to a quick mental grasp.

More About Have A Mind Like A Steel Trap

What does have a mind like a steel trap mean?

To have a mind like a steel trap is to understand things very quickly or to be a quick learner, as in Because Tia has a mind like a steel trap, she quickly grasps new concepts. 

Sometimes, this phrase also means to have a good memory, as in Santiago never forgets anyone’s birthday because he has a mind like a steel trap.

Generally the phrase have a mind like a steel trap is more common in informal speech and writing.

Example: Even at ninety years old, my grandfather has a mind like a steel trap.

Where does have a mind like a steel trap come from?

The phrase have a mind like a steel trap has been used since at least 1916. Variations of the phrase have been used since around 1872.

The steel trap in the phrase refers to a trap with a steel jaw and sharp teeth  used to catch animals, such as bears and raccoons. Have a mind like a steel trap compares a person’s mind to a steel trap, which is designed to close or clamp very quickly so that the animal doesn’t escape.

When have a mind like a steel trap refers to a person having a good memory, the phrase compares a strong memory to a steel trap clamping down on an animal and never letting go of it.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for have a mind like a steel trap?

• quick
• sharp
• apt
• smart
• astute

What are some words that share a root or word element with have a mind like a steel trap? 

• have
• mind
• like
• steel
• trap

What are some words that often get used in discussing have a mind like a steel trap?

• intelligence
• perception
• learn
• memory

How is have a mind like a steel trap used in real life?

Have a mind like a steel trap is a phrase used to describe someone as being a quick learner or having a good memory.

unfortunately, i have a mind like a steel trap! nothing will be forgotten!

— 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑. (@PlSCISHONOR) June 14, 2021

I used to have a mind like a steel trap. Today it’s more like a lint screen. It still catches stuff, but it’s all a bit fuzzy.

— Wavey Davey (@DaveyThink) September 16, 2018

Some people have a mind like a steel trap. I have a mind like a grease trap 😂

— Maggie 🥃 (she/her) (@LouGirl502) February 28, 2020

 

 

Try using have a mind like a steel trap!

Which of the following words is most likely to describe a person who has a mind like a steel trap?

A. stubborn
B. smart
C. ignorant
D. dense