Signification
To be tricked by a situation.
Contexte culturel
In Greek media, 'πολιτική παγίδα' (political trap) is a constant theme. Journalists often analyze whether a new law or a debate challenge is a trap for the opposition. The concept of the 'dolos' (trickery/bait) is central to Homer's Odyssey. The Trojan Horse is the ultimate 'παγίδα' in Greek history. Many Greek proverbs warn against being 'agathos' (too innocent). There is a cultural pride in being 'psimmenos' (well-cooked/experienced) so you don't fall into traps. Due to the economic crisis, Greeks are very skeptical of 'offers'. The phrase 'Πού είναι η παγίδα;' (Where is the trap?) is commonly asked when seeing a low price.
Use the Past Tense
You will use 'έπεσα' (past) much more often than 'πέφτω' (present) because we usually realize the trap after it happens.
Don't over-translate
Avoid saying 'πέφτω για αυτό' (fall for it). Just say 'έπεσα στην παγίδα' or 'την πάτησα'.
Signification
To be tricked by a situation.
Use the Past Tense
You will use 'έπεσα' (past) much more often than 'πέφτω' (present) because we usually realize the trap after it happens.
Don't over-translate
Avoid saying 'πέφτω για αυτό' (fall for it). Just say 'έπεσα στην παγίδα' or 'την πάτησα'.
Abstract Traps
At C1 level, use it with abstract concepts like 'η παγίδα της τελειομανίας' (the trap of perfectionism).
The 'Lumba' alternative
If you want to sound like a local in a coffee shop, use 'έπεσα στην λούμπα' instead.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε το κενό με τη σωστή μορφή του ρήματος 'πέφτω'.
Χθες, ο Γιάννης _______ στην παγίδα του απατεώνα.
We need the Aorist (Past Simple) because of the word 'Χθες' (Yesterday).
Ποια πρόταση είναι σωστή;
Θέλω να αποφύγω την εξαπάτηση.
'Παγίδα' is feminine (στην) and requires the preposition 'σε'.
Ταιριάξτε την κατάσταση με την κατάλληλη φράση.
Κάποιος σου προσφέρει ένα δωρεάν ταξίδι αν δώσεις τα στοιχεία της κάρτας σου.
Free offers in exchange for credit card details are classic 'traps'.
Συμπληρώστε τον διάλογο.
Α: Γιατί είσαι νευρικός; Β: Ο διευθυντής με ρώτησε αν μου αρέσει η δουλειά μου, αλλά νομίζω ότι...
'Στήνω παγίδα' means 'to set a trap', which fits the context of the manager asking a tricky question.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΧθες, ο Γιάννης _______ στην παγίδα του απατεώνα.
We need the Aorist (Past Simple) because of the word 'Χθες' (Yesterday).
Θέλω να αποφύγω την εξαπάτηση.
'Παγίδα' is feminine (στην) and requires the preposition 'σε'.
Κάποιος σου προσφέρει ένα δωρεάν ταξίδι αν δώσεις τα στοιχεία της κάρτας σου.
Free offers in exchange for credit card details are classic 'traps'.
Α: Γιατί είσαι νευρικός; Β: Ο διευθυντής με ρώτησε αν μου αρέσει η δουλειά μου, αλλά νομίζω ότι...
'Στήνω παγίδα' means 'to set a trap', which fits the context of the manager asking a tricky question.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be slightly patronizing, as it implies they were naive. Use it carefully with superiors.
No, a 'παγίδα' is always negative or at least tricky. For a good surprise, use 'έκπληξη'.
'Παγίδα' is standard; 'λούμπα' is informal and literally means a puddle or hole in the road.
Use the verb 'στήνω' (stino). Example: 'Του έστησα παγίδα'.
Yes, it is appropriate for discussing risks or strategic errors.
Yes, 'παγιδεύτηκα' (I was trapped), but 'έπεσα στην παγίδα' is much more common.
Not necessarily. You can fall into the trap of your own emotions or habits.
'Την πάτησα' is the most frequent informal equivalent.
Only if there is an actual trap (like for an animal). Otherwise, use 'έπεσα κάτω'.
Μην πέφτεις στην παγίδα των ψεμάτων του.
Expressions liées
στήνω παγίδα
builds onTo set a trap
την πατάω
synonymTo step on it / to be tricked
πέφτω στην λούμπα
similarTo fall into the hole
πιάνομαι στα πράσα
contrastTo be caught red-handed
δόλωμα
specialized formBait
