death trap

death trap

Something, usually a building, vehicle, or road, that is considered to be very dangerous. Between the worn brake pads and the loose steering wheel, that car is a death trap. The house was in such bad condition that the contractor wouldn't allow his workers inside because he thought it was a death trap.
See also: death, trap
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • wear through
  • in park
  • run (something) into (something)
  • worn up
  • last for
  • last for (some period of time)
  • necking knob
  • necker's knob
  • worn
  • turn on a sixpence
References in periodicals archive
There is a split in the courts regarding whether death trap provisions satisfy the requirements of [section]1129.
There is only the one way out - so it's a death trap."
Because of the Grenfell Tower tragedy that claimed the lives of 71 people, thousands of tower block tenants are now fearing that they are living in death traps.
Hauz Khas restaurant under copseIU scanner MT IMPACT The entry, exit and gateway in the restaurant are so narrow that it will be a death trap in case of fire
A BOSS dubbed Basil Fawlty was jailed yesterday for turning his decrepit seaside hotel into a death trap.
Literally a death trap. So how many other lives will be lost before someone does something about it?
A MAN has died after being hit by a car on a stretch of road locals described as a "death trap".
"This was, I'm afraid to say, potentially a death trap and a death-trap not just for those people on the mezzanine floor but for others as well", said the judge.
We've had to suffer derelict death trap house for years RESIDENTS living close to a derelict house in Coventry say they are still waiting for the council to take action - six years on.
Local GP Dr Jerry Cowley, who did not attend the scene, described the area where the accident happened as a "death trap".
Paul's family are contemplating legal action after discovering the wreck was known locally as a death trap. Brother Mark said: "We are looking at getting legal advice."
CATALOGUE OF FAILINGS MAKE ROAD A DEATH TRAP - P6&7
An investigation team described the Volta Lake transport system as a death trap because of obstacles such as trees and rocks.
Pity they are a death trap, or so the bureaucrats would have us believe.
A FAMILY'S pounds 6,000 dream kitchen turned into a DEATH TRAP because of bungling workmen.