minefield

Meanings

1. An area in which land mines or naval mines have been laid.
2. A matter or situation presenting multiple risks, dangers, complications or difficulties.
3. A pitch that has dried out and crumbled and on which the ball is bouncing and spinning unpredictably.
4. A quiz that terminates when the test-taker answers a question incorrectly.

Etymology

From mine + field. Compare Saterland Frisian Mienenfäield (“minefield”), West Frisian mynfjild (“minefield”), Dutch mijnenveld (“minefield”), German Low German Minenfeld (“minefield”), German Minenfeld (“minefield”), Danish minefelt (“minefield”), Swedish minfält (“minefield”).