1. wires stretched close to the ground that cause someone to trip or that trigger an alarm or explosive device when disturbed
Usage: military; security
2. things that serve as early warning signals or that trigger unwanted consequences
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The soldiers carefully checked for tripwires before advancing through the jungle.
• Security guards installed tripwires around the perimeter of the facility.
• The explosive device was connected to several tripwires hidden in the grass.
• Budget cuts often serve as tripwires for employee dissatisfaction.
• The negotiators tried to avoid the political tripwires that could derail the peace talks.
• Rising interest rates can be tripwires for economic recession.
• The journalist learned to recognize the tripwires that might anger her sources.