noun
1. an acute intelligence (an analogy based on the well-known sharpness of steel traps) (Freq. 1)
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he's as sharp as a steel trap
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a mind like a steel trap
2. a trap made of steel with a strong spring and sharp toothlike projections to hold the prey
• Hypernyms: ↑trap
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a trap for catching animals, consisting of spring-operated steel jaws with sharp projections that clamp shut.
[1725-35]
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steel trap noun
One with steel jaws and spring
• • •
Main Entry: ↑steel
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steel trap,
a trap with jaws and spring of steel.
steel-trap «STEEL TRAP», adjective.
resembling or suggesting a steel trap; sharp and powerful.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.