Treibsand

quicksand

noun TRYPE-zant Rare

Usage Note

Treibsand describes saturated, unstable sand that behaves like a liquid under pressure. It occurs near tidal flats (Watt) and river mouths; the word is also used figuratively for situations offering no firm footing.

Examples

"Das Wattenmeer birgt stellenweise gefährlichen Treibsand."

Natural Translation

The mudflats conceal patches of dangerous quicksand.

Literal Translation

The tidal-flats conceal in-places dangerous quicksand.

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