Jul 14, 2022 15:57
1 yr ago
65 viewers *
English term
trapdoor
English
Social Sciences
General / Conversation / Greetings / Letters
self-help book on regret
Dear colleagues,
I’m not sure about the meaning of “trapdoor” in the sentences below, taken from a self–help book on regret.
In some bilingual dictionaries (English to Italian), "trapdoor" seems to have also a metaphorical meaning as "trap" or "pitfall", but I'm not sure whether this meaning might be right in this context.
Maybe something along the lines of “precipice, abyss” (i.e. “fall into an abyss”) might be more appropriate? What’s your opinion?
Thank you so much for your help!
*******************
We Expect Chain Reactions and *** Trapdoors ***
A common error in thinking about outcomes is to imagine a chain reaction of negative events that end up in catastrophe. For example, a person considering taking a new job might imagine that the job will not work out. She then imagines losing the job, being out of work, losing all her money, and ending up homeless. This chain reaction of negative events adds to the fear of making a change
(...)
Related to the sudden change of chain reactions is the belief that if we make a change we will be surprised by *** falling through a trapdoor ***. We sometimes think that something terrible will surprisingly and suddenly happen and we will be devastated. This might include your belief that if you make a commitment to a partner or a job you will be blindsided by betrayal or the company going bankrupt. Or you might think that if you buy a house or make an investment the entire market will collapse and you will end up with nothing.
CHALLENGE: Remember that there are dramatic changes that occur in relationships, companies, markets, and elsewhere but they are not the norm. If you go around predicting *** trapdoors *** every time you think of making a decision, you will never get out the door and live your life. You can walk through the door without falling through a *** trapdoor. ***
I’m not sure about the meaning of “trapdoor” in the sentences below, taken from a self–help book on regret.
In some bilingual dictionaries (English to Italian), "trapdoor" seems to have also a metaphorical meaning as "trap" or "pitfall", but I'm not sure whether this meaning might be right in this context.
Maybe something along the lines of “precipice, abyss” (i.e. “fall into an abyss”) might be more appropriate? What’s your opinion?
Thank you so much for your help!
*******************
We Expect Chain Reactions and *** Trapdoors ***
A common error in thinking about outcomes is to imagine a chain reaction of negative events that end up in catastrophe. For example, a person considering taking a new job might imagine that the job will not work out. She then imagines losing the job, being out of work, losing all her money, and ending up homeless. This chain reaction of negative events adds to the fear of making a change
(...)
Related to the sudden change of chain reactions is the belief that if we make a change we will be surprised by *** falling through a trapdoor ***. We sometimes think that something terrible will surprisingly and suddenly happen and we will be devastated. This might include your belief that if you make a commitment to a partner or a job you will be blindsided by betrayal or the company going bankrupt. Or you might think that if you buy a house or make an investment the entire market will collapse and you will end up with nothing.
CHALLENGE: Remember that there are dramatic changes that occur in relationships, companies, markets, and elsewhere but they are not the norm. If you go around predicting *** trapdoors *** every time you think of making a decision, you will never get out the door and live your life. You can walk through the door without falling through a *** trapdoor. ***
Responses
+4
7 mins
philgoddard
United States
United States
Native in English
&
English
United States
Six languages into flawless English
Native in: English
Works in: German to English, French to English, Spanish to English, and 4 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
123
Selected
pitfall
This is an unusual use of "trapdoor". It's self-help speak, and another word, such as pitfall, would do just as well. The clue is there in "something terrible will surprisingly and suddenly happen".
It's also not the best of metaphors, because it's perfectly safe to walk on trapdoors if they're locked shut!
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Note added at 9 mins (2022-07-14 16:06:56 GMT)
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Or setback.
Just out of interest, does a literal translation work in Italian?
It's also not the best of metaphors, because it's perfectly safe to walk on trapdoors if they're locked shut!
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Note added at 9 mins (2022-07-14 16:06:56 GMT)
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Or setback.
Just out of interest, does a literal translation work in Italian?
Note from asker:
| Thank you Phil, for your contribution. In Italian there is a word, "trabocchetto", which means "trapdoor" and "pitfall"... but it seems to me too "weak" in this case... In theory, it should be the right choice, but actually, as Yvonne says, the author talks about "something terrible".... In Italian, we have the word "baratro", which can mean literally "a deep opening in the earth's surface", but also has a metaphorical meaning as "abyss, precipice"... "precipitare nel baratro " |
Peer comment(s):
| neutral |
Yvonne Gallagher
: really don't agree that this is the correct alternative
7 mins
|
| agree |
Tony M
: I agree that this probably doesn't need to be so catastrophically serious as other alternatives seem to make it.
16 mins
|
| agree |
airmailrpl
1 hr
|
| agree |
Anastasia Kalantzi
: there's also the term ''drop''(trapdoor on gallows):The drop opened and the convict was executed by hanging. [and the Italian term 'baratro' has Greek origin, as usually, and comes from 'βάραθρον'.
1 hr
|
| agree |
NancyLynn
6 days
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you very much, Phil, for your help!
As I said in the Discussion, I'll try and use an "extended" version in the translation...maybe using the word "tunnel" (un tunnel pieno di insidie") to convey the image of actually falling through something.. "
6 mins
Yvonne Gallagher
Ireland
Ireland
Native in English
&
English
Specializes in field
Ireland
right word, right place. everytime
Native in: English (Variants: US, Canadian, Irish, UK) 
Works in: French to English, Spanish to English, English, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
659
(fall into) an abyss or a void or off a cliff
like you just completely lose yourself and/or everything you possess/love
"something terrible will surprisingly and suddenly happen and we will be devastated".
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Note added at 12 mins (2022-07-14 16:09:46 GMT)
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it IS a strong image being portrayed here
"make an investment the entire market will collapse and you will end up with nothing."
"something terrible will surprisingly and suddenly happen and we will be devastated".
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Note added at 12 mins (2022-07-14 16:09:46 GMT)
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it IS a strong image being portrayed here
"make an investment the entire market will collapse and you will end up with nothing."
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Yvonne, for your contribution! I also think it's a strong image... the author also says "dramatic changes"... yet, "trapdoor" seems to be a "weak" term compared to the picture he portrays... The question is: "how much freedom do we have as translators?" |
Peer comment(s):
| neutral |
philgoddard
: Like Tony, I think this is too strong.
2 mins
|
|
well I disagree. Look at the language. It isn't about simply walking into a trap.
|
|
| neutral |
AllegroTrans
: I think this is more about limiting situations than things as dramatic as an abyss or cliff edge, the latter of which would probably be the final end
34 mins
|
|
the language is very dramatic
|
35 mins
AllegroTrans
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
&
English
Specializes in field
United Kingdom
Sensible solutions
Native in: English (Variant: Wessexois)
Works in: French to English, English, English to French
Related KudoZ points
:
52
situation that you judge is limiting or trapping you into compulsive behaviours
So, what do these trapdoors look like? In reality, their labels and characteristics are endless and are unique to our own particular shadows. That said, though, I also think they can be broadly categorized into six common ones, as detailed below:
Trapdoor #1: Checking
Definition: physically searching for verification that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Repeatedly checking that your kitchen appliances are turned off (in hopes of verifying that they won't cause a fire).
> Turning your car around to inspect a roadway after running over a pothole (in hopes of verifying that you didn't run someone over).
Trapdoor #2: Reassurance-seeking
Definition: asking for the assurances of others that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Calling a friend repeatedly to ask if she's okay (in hopes of verifying that you didn't get her sick)
> Asking your spouse if he remembers seeing you at home last night (in hopes of convincing yourself that you didn't unwittingly go out and rob a bank).
Trapdoor #3: Ruminating
Definition: mentally replaying events, conversations, and other sequences in search of verification that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Mentally reviewing a conversation you had with a friend over lunch (in hopes of verifying that you didn't say something offensive).
> "Replaying" in your mind your last steps before leaving the house (in hopes of verifying that you actually locked the door).
Trapdoor #4: Protecting
Definition: performing rituals (such as repeating patterns) and acting in unproductive ways for the sole purpose of warding off feared consequences.
Sample compulsions:
> Turning on and off a light switch exactly three times (in hopes of warding off a plane crash).
> Scrubbing your hands repeatedly (in hopes of making certain that you won't catch some horrific disease).
Trapdoor #5: Fixing
Definition: performing rituals (often relating to symmetry) for the sole purpose of making things "feel" right.
Sample compulsions:
> Arranging the items on your desk, again and again (until the arrangement "feels" just right).
> Scratching your left elbow, after inadvertently scratching your right elbow (just to "complete" the symmetry of the movements).
Trapdoor #6: Avoiding
Definition: deliberately avoiding events that might trigger anxiety.
Sample compulsions:
>Giving up driving (because running over potholes makes you obsess about having hit pedestrians).
>Waiting for other people to open doors (because touching doorknobs makes you obsess about getting sick from the germs that could be on them).
This list is hardly exhaustive, but I do think it comprises the most common sets of compulsions that we with OCD develop. Moreover, I've also come to believe that everyone--with or without OCD--occasionally finds themselves lured to these same six sets of counterproductive behaviors when consumed by their fear-based doubts (which is NOT to say that I think everyone has a touch of OCD and performs outright compulsions!). I'm fascinated by these parallels, and I explore them in my new book, WHEN IN DOUBT, MAKE BELIEF; here though, let's focus on true OCD compulsions and the traps that they present. Thoughts? Comments? Your own experiences?
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Note added at 37 mins (2022-07-14 16:34:27 GMT)
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https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/beyond-the-doubt/200...
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Note added at 50 mins (2022-07-14 16:47:26 GMT)
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Asker: imo, all of the above situations could be described as "mental traps"
Trapdoor #1: Checking
Definition: physically searching for verification that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Repeatedly checking that your kitchen appliances are turned off (in hopes of verifying that they won't cause a fire).
> Turning your car around to inspect a roadway after running over a pothole (in hopes of verifying that you didn't run someone over).
Trapdoor #2: Reassurance-seeking
Definition: asking for the assurances of others that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Calling a friend repeatedly to ask if she's okay (in hopes of verifying that you didn't get her sick)
> Asking your spouse if he remembers seeing you at home last night (in hopes of convincing yourself that you didn't unwittingly go out and rob a bank).
Trapdoor #3: Ruminating
Definition: mentally replaying events, conversations, and other sequences in search of verification that some feared consequence did not, or will not, happen.
Sample compulsions:
> Mentally reviewing a conversation you had with a friend over lunch (in hopes of verifying that you didn't say something offensive).
> "Replaying" in your mind your last steps before leaving the house (in hopes of verifying that you actually locked the door).
Trapdoor #4: Protecting
Definition: performing rituals (such as repeating patterns) and acting in unproductive ways for the sole purpose of warding off feared consequences.
Sample compulsions:
> Turning on and off a light switch exactly three times (in hopes of warding off a plane crash).
> Scrubbing your hands repeatedly (in hopes of making certain that you won't catch some horrific disease).
Trapdoor #5: Fixing
Definition: performing rituals (often relating to symmetry) for the sole purpose of making things "feel" right.
Sample compulsions:
> Arranging the items on your desk, again and again (until the arrangement "feels" just right).
> Scratching your left elbow, after inadvertently scratching your right elbow (just to "complete" the symmetry of the movements).
Trapdoor #6: Avoiding
Definition: deliberately avoiding events that might trigger anxiety.
Sample compulsions:
>Giving up driving (because running over potholes makes you obsess about having hit pedestrians).
>Waiting for other people to open doors (because touching doorknobs makes you obsess about getting sick from the germs that could be on them).
This list is hardly exhaustive, but I do think it comprises the most common sets of compulsions that we with OCD develop. Moreover, I've also come to believe that everyone--with or without OCD--occasionally finds themselves lured to these same six sets of counterproductive behaviors when consumed by their fear-based doubts (which is NOT to say that I think everyone has a touch of OCD and performs outright compulsions!). I'm fascinated by these parallels, and I explore them in my new book, WHEN IN DOUBT, MAKE BELIEF; here though, let's focus on true OCD compulsions and the traps that they present. Thoughts? Comments? Your own experiences?
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 37 mins (2022-07-14 16:34:27 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/beyond-the-doubt/200...
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 50 mins (2022-07-14 16:47:26 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
Asker: imo, all of the above situations could be described as "mental traps"
Note from asker:
| Thank you AllegroTrans, for your interesting contribution! I think, though, that in this case "trapdoor" is used in a slightly different sense... maybe "mental traps" |
| Yes, the ones about OCD, certainly. I'm not sure it has the same kind of meaning in this book on regret... |
1 day 17 hrs
a lurking disaster
Instead of having an opportunity or silver-lining mindset, one can get to the point of suspecting that chaos could be just around the corner.
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Note added at 1 day 17 hrs (2022-07-16 09:23:50 GMT)
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Perhaps “lurking disruption” would be more suitable. As others have commented, trapdoor need not be over-dramatized as a term.
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Note added at 1 day 17 hrs (2022-07-16 09:23:50 GMT)
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Perhaps “lurking disruption” would be more suitable. As others have commented, trapdoor need not be over-dramatized as a term.
Note from asker:
| Thank you, Johnse, for your contribution! |
Discussion
I'll choose Phil's solution, althought, as I said, I think I'll use an extended version, which includes also Yvonne's suggestion of a "void" or "tunnel"...
Many thanks again to all of you for your contribution!
I haven't decided yet about the translation of this term, but I'm thinking of combining some of your proposals...that is, the idea of a "hole" as in Yvonne's answer and the idea of a pitfall, as in Phil's proposal. In Italian, we often use "tunnel" in a metaphorical sense... "tunnel pieno di insidie", "tunnel di problemi"...ecc..
That's why I won't choose one of the answers and I'll live to you to choose one: because all of you have been helpful to me...
this is the first time I don't make a choice,...and I don't know exactly what I have to do...sorry..
Thanks again for your patience!
Some medieval castles had open trapdoors with a rug or mat covering them and the unwary fell through and ended in the basement/dungeon or the bottom of a hill/cliff or in the sea! I'm sure we have all seen at least 1 film where such a thing happens?
Also trapdoors were/are used on the gallows for hangings!
"pitfall/setback" is just not strong enough here (from what I see of the text anyway.
So here I believe it is really about remaining ALERT/AWARE (mindful) all the time. So that you can actually "walk through the door without "falling through a trapdoor."
“The Psychiatric Dictionary defines nightmares as "a fright reaction during sleep,” but for anyone who has experienced a severe nightmare, it is more like falling through a trapdoor into a pit of horror and psychic nausea”
***
Instead of following his impulse to tell Fink and the police , the unsuspecting Gottlieb ( ' beloved of God ) hides the stones , thereby falling through a trapdoor into hell
I think the idea is very much 'trap', and possibly you might consider translation options around a word like 'pitfall', which is literally what this is: falling into a pit.