man-trap

or man·trap

[ man-trap ]

noun

1. an outdoor trap set for humans, as to snare poachers or trespassers.
2. Slang. a woman who is purported to be dangerously seductive or who schemes in her amours; femme fatale.

Word History and Origins

Origin of man-trap¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Around 10:15 p.m., the actor Harry Hawk, playing Asa Trenchard, said the line, “Well, I guess I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal; you sockdologizing old man-trap!”

From New York Times

“Always seems to me,” said Wemmick, “as if he had set a man-trap and was watching it. Suddenly—click—you’re caught!”

From Literature

Here is the line that prompted their hilarity: “I know enough to turn you inside out, old gal, you sockdologizing old man-trap.”

From Washington Post

Both Huntington High and Cabell Midland High schools will receive safe school “man-trap” entrances, which many facilities in the county have.

From Washington Times

What we said: “Stoke are the Premier League’s hard core. Unlikely to challenge for silverware but unlikely to be relegated either, they exist primarily as a sort of man-trap to keep teams with loftier ambitions on their mettle. Stoke have built their reputation on cutting bigger sides down to size.”

From The Guardian