minefield
Americannoun
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Military, Naval. an area of land or water throughout which explosive mines have been laid.
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a situation fraught with potential problems or dangers.
Businesses face an ethical minefield when they operate internationally.
noun
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an area of ground or water containing explosive mines
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a subject, situation, etc, beset with hidden problems
Etymology
Origin of minefield
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Vance's diplomatic mission to Islamabad is a political minefield.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
“It’s a minefield for insurers,” said Jonathan Moss, head of the London office for law firm DWF.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
She was also aware that the highly competitive daytime talk show arena had been a notorious minefield for several top stars, leading to quick failure.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026
The situation is a minefield for investors to navigate—but it could be worthwhile to do so.
From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025
So when Ty walked into the cafeteria, he walked into a minefield.
From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
