1.
pitfall, trap hole
A concealed hole in the ground designed to trap animals or people who step on it.
落とし穴を掘る。
To dig a pitfall trap.
子供たちが砂浜に落とし穴を作っていた。
The children were making a pitfall trap on the beach.
動物が落とし穴にはまって動けなくなった。
An animal fell into the trap and couldn't move.
2.
pitfall, hidden danger, trap
A hidden risk, unexpected problem, or deceptive situation that catches someone off guard.
この契約には落とし穴がある。
This contract has a hidden pitfall.
安い物件には落とし穴があることが多い。
Cheap properties often come with hidden catches.
成功に見えても落とし穴に気をつけなければならない。
Even when things look successful, you need to watch out for hidden pitfalls.
USAGE:
Sense 2 (figurative) is more common in everyday conversation. The pattern ～には落とし穴がある (there is a pitfall in ~) is standard for warnings about hidden risks.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 落とし穴にはまる: to fall into a trap/pitfall
- 落とし穴に気をつける: to watch out for pitfalls
- 思わぬ落とし穴: an unexpected pitfall