To fall into/avoid the trap of doing something
phrase
To start doing something harmful or negative without intending to or realizing it.
She fell into the trap of constantly criticizing her own children.

Often appears as...
- fall into the trap of procrastination
- fall into the trap of overthinking
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To consciously avoid a common error or negative habit.
He avoided the trap of overeating by having only small portions.

Often appears as...
- avoid the trap of perfectionism
- avoid the trap of comparison
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To start doing something harmful or negative without intending to or realizing it.
She fell into the trap of constantly criticizing her own children.

Often appears as...
- fall into the trap of procrastination
- fall into the trap of overthinking
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To consciously avoid a common error or negative habit.
He avoided the trap of overeating by having only small portions.

Often appears as...
- avoid the trap of perfectionism
- avoid the trap of comparison
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Unintended Consequences
Understanding that the phrase often implies a negative outcome that wasn't planned or foreseen.

He fell into the trap of gambling, hoping to win big.
Subtle Warning
Recognize the phrase as a caution against common mistakes or poor decisions in various scenarios.

Don't fall into the trap of skipping classes; it harms your education.
Negative Patterns
The phrase can indicate the beginning of a bad habit or continuing unhelpful behavior.

She fell into the trap of lying to her friends.
Unintended Consequences
Understanding that the phrase often implies a negative outcome that wasn't planned or foreseen.

He fell into the trap of gambling, hoping to win big.
Subtle Warning
Recognize the phrase as a caution against common mistakes or poor decisions in various scenarios.

Don't fall into the trap of skipping classes; it harms your education.
Negative Patterns
The phrase can indicate the beginning of a bad habit or continuing unhelpful behavior.

She fell into the trap of lying to her friends.
Unintended Consequences
Understanding that the phrase often implies a negative outcome that wasn't planned or foreseen.

He fell into the trap of gambling, hoping to win big.
Subtle Warning
Recognize the phrase as a caution against common mistakes or poor decisions in various scenarios.

Don't fall into the trap of skipping classes; it harms your education.
Negative Patterns
The phrase can indicate the beginning of a bad habit or continuing unhelpful behavior.

She fell into the trap of lying to her friends.
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension