An area that is dangerous or difficult to negotiate.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822), poet. From French mauvais pas dangerous situation from mauvais bad + pas step.
Definition of mauvais pas in US English:
mauvais pas
nounməʊˈveɪ ˈpɑː
An area that is dangerous or difficult to negotiate.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822), poet. From French mauvais pas dangerous situation from mauvais bad + pas step.