steel trap

noun

1. a trap for catching animals, consisting of spring-operated steel jaws with sharp projections that clamp shut.

Word History and Origins

Origin of steel trap¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

To this day, within military aviation, he is famous for his "steel trap" mind and his unflappable demeanor.

From The Daily Beast

He is as smart as a steel trap, too, is Burton, and has done me good service twice before.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the great yellow tusks would clash together with a sharp, ringing sound horribly suggestive of a steel trap closing.

From Project Gutenberg

Laying on the ground, his foot caught in a wicked looking steel trap, was an elderly man.

From Project Gutenberg

He rolled back a small rug in the middle of the floor to expose a massive steel trap door.

From Project Gutenberg

Mother aint much for book learnin', and Jen's as smart as a steel trap, if she is ours.

From Project Gutenberg