What does the expression “to get into a trap” mean?
If you unexpectedly find yourself in some awkward or difficult situation, one can only sympathize – you've “попал впросак” (“popal vprosak” or “got into a trap”).
A clarifying question just begs to be asked: Where is this trap located and how did you get into it? In the old days, any peasant would have answered you, because with a high degree of probability, a “prosak” could be found in their own home. This was the name of the special machine on which ropes and cords were spun. The complex device had many hooks to which threads were attached and they were set in motion with the help of a special handle. The threads were then connected and woven into a rope.
Getting entangled in the threads of a ‘prosak’ was not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. If you got your hair or clothes tangled in there, you wouldn't be able to get them out.
Since the 18th century, the word has been used in a figurative sense, implying that “to get into a trap” means, due to one's own absent-mindedness or carelessness, to find oneself in an absurd and difficult situation.
Some English alternatives would be: “To get into a mess.” or “To get egg on one’s face.”
