Definition of "land mine" []

• An explosive mine laid usually just below the surface of the ground. (noun)
• Informal A concealed yet incipient crisis. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "And as soon as I see him, I realize he is the land mine I was hoping Mary Catherine would protect me from."
• "Picking up her attempt at a lighthearted escape out of a land mine discussion, Daniel resurrected his best-bud smile and slung his arm around her shoulders."