Trip Wire (Noun)
Meaning 1
A small military force that serves as a first line of defense; if they become engaged in hostilities it will trigger the intervention of stronger military forces.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The lightly armed reconnaissance team was deployed as a trip wire to detect and deter enemy advances, with the understanding that they would quickly fall back and trigger a larger response if attacked.
- The small garrison was intentionally left in place as a trip wire, its presence meant to provoke a reaction from the enemy and draw them into a larger conflict.
- In the event of an invasion, the trip wire forces stationed along the border would be quickly overwhelmed, but their sacrifice would serve as a catalyst for a broader military response.
- The trip wire unit was tasked with probing the enemy's defenses and drawing fire, thereby triggering a larger and more decisive engagement.
- By positioning a small but visible military presence in the disputed territory, the government hoped to create a trip wire that would deter aggression and provide a clear casus belli if attacked.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A wire stretched close to the ground that activates something (a trap or camera or weapon) when tripped over.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The soldier carefully navigated through the dense jungle, aware of the potential trip wire that could trigger a deadly explosion.
- The photographer set up a trip wire to activate the camera, hoping to capture a photo of the elusive wildlife.
- The hikers were warned about the trip wire that protected the ancient ruins from intruders.
- The security team installed a trip wire around the perimeter of the building to detect any potential intruders.
- The adventurer triggered a trip wire, causing a poison dart to shoot out from the wall of the ancient temple.