1.
to fall into a trap; to be ensnared
To be caught in a trap, either literally (an animal caught in a physical trap) or figuratively (a person deceived by a scheme or trick). The figurative usage is more common.
Common patterns
（～の）罠にはまる
Common collocations
- 敵の罠にはまる (to fall into the enemy's trap)
- 罠にはまらないように (so as not to fall into a trap)
- まんまと罠にはまる (to fall right into a trap — まんまと emphasizes being completely duped)
Related words
- 罠を仕掛ける: To set a trap.
- 罠にかかる: Also means to be caught in a trap — nearly synonymous, but 罠にかかる sounds slightly more literal (like an animal being caught).
Usage
Very common in both everyday conversation and narrative contexts (novels, games, movies). Often used metaphorically for being deceived, scammed, or outmaneuvered.