English Meaning & Definitions
To successfully steer clear of a common, hidden, or easily overlooked mistake, danger, or difficulty.
- “By consulting with a legal expert early on, the startup was able to avoid a pitfall that often bankrupts new businesses.”
- “Careful planning helps you avoid a pitfall when navigating complex international tax regulations.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “avoid a pitfall”.
The term 'pitfall' originated in the late 16th century, referring literally to a pit dug into the ground and covered with branches or leaves to trap animals or enemies. Metaphorically, it evolved to describe a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty. 'Avoid' derives from the Old French 'evoider', meaning to empty out or remove, leading to the modern sense of keeping away from or preventing.
Imagine a hunter digging a hole (pit) to catch a fall; 'avoiding' it means stepping around the hole instead of into it.
Frequently Asked Questions About “avoid a pitfall”
1. What is the meaning of “avoid a pitfall” in English?
In English, avoid a pitfall (idiom) is defined as: “To successfully steer clear of a common, hidden, or easily overlooked mistake, danger, or difficulty.”.
2. How do you use “avoid a pitfall” in a sentence?
“By consulting with a legal expert early on, the startup was able to avoid a pitfall that often bankrupts new businesses.”
3. What are English synonyms of “avoid a pitfall”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “avoid a pitfall”?
The term 'pitfall' originated in the late 16th century, referring literally to a pit dug into the ground and covered with branches or leaves to trap animals or enemies. Metaphorically, it evolved to describe a hidden or unsuspected danger or difficulty. 'Avoid' derives from the Old French 'evoider', meaning to empty out or remove, leading to the modern sense of keeping away from or preventing.
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