dig a pit for (someone or something)

dig a pit for (someone or something)

To attempt to ensnare or trap someone or something. The FBI has been digging a pit for that very dangerous criminal.
See also: dig, pit
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dig a pit for

try to trap.
This is a common biblical metaphor: for example, in Jeremiah 18:20 we find ‘they have digged a pit for my soul’.
See also: dig, pit
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • dig a pit for
  • pit
  • pit out
  • catch (someone or something) in (something)
  • catch in
  • ensnare
  • ensnare (someone or something) in (something)
  • ensnare in
  • keep a tab on (someone or something)
  • keep tab