trip wire

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One positioned, ever so gently, a long rope and grappling hook to snare the trip wire, then backed off and pulled.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2023

This ought to be harnessed into a nationwide — or even global — trip wire for disease among humans, animals and plants.

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2022

Alan Morgan, who pulled the explosive from the water, said he thought it was live as it had a trip wire and pin.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2022

The troops serve as a "trip wire" for NATO's 40,000-strong response force to come in quickly and bring more U.S. troops and weapons from across the Atlantic.

From Reuters • Jan. 18, 2022

But before she can bring the brick down, the trip wire behind her jerks, and the bell rings, and someone enters the house.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr