monkey trap

noun — 2 senses

monkey trap

noun
1

Literally A cage containing a banana with a hole large enough for a monkey's hand to fit in, but not large enough for a monkey's fist (clutching a banana) to come out; anecdotally used to catch monkeys that lack the intellect to let go of the banana and run away.

2

Figuratively A clever trap of any sort, that owes its success to the ineptitude or gullibility of the victim.

Synonyms
monkey jar

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.