Phrase guide

step on a rake

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To step on the tines of a garden rake, causing the handle of the rake to rise from the ground rapidly, striking the person walking in the face.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To fall victim to an avoidable (usually self-caused) hazard or error.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: astua miinaan — idiom: to fall victim to a hazard
  • Latvian: kāpt uz grābekļa — idiom: to fall victim to a hazard
  • Polish: but see człowiek uczy się na błędach — idiom: to fall victim to a hazard
  • Russian: наступи́ть на гра́бли (nastupítʹ na grábli) — idiom: to fall victim to a hazard