minefield

noun

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”).

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.

   “Be careful. Foreign property investments are a minefield, and some people have lost a lot of money.”

   “Russian grammar can be a minefield.”

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.