Meaning & Definition of word "Flypaper"
to
Flypaper
/ˈflaɪˌpeɪpər/
noun:
- 1. A sticky paper used for catching flies and other insects.
- Example: I put up flypaper in the kitchen to control the fly infestation.
- 2. An adhesive strip or surface designed to capture flying insects.
- Example: The old-fashioned flypaper hung from the ceiling, catching everything that flew near it.
- 3. An object or situation that traps or ensnares someone or something, often in a figurative sense.
- Example: The company's strict rules acted as flypaper, making it difficult for employees to leave.
Etymology
The term combines 'fly' referring to the insect, and 'paper' which denotes the material.
Common Phrases and Expressions
like flypaper:
Something that attracts a lot of attention or is difficult to escape from.
Related Words
insect:
A small arthropod animal that has six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings.
trap:
A device or enclosure designed to catch and hold animals or objects.
Slang Meanings of flypaper
Meaning: To be stuck or unable to escape from a situation.
Example Sentence: I felt like I was on flypaper during the meeting with no way out.