For myself i mostly tie those states to objects alluding to torture or the possibility for a geometric escalation of problems. For example a landmine, something hidden where you may walk from time to time, but stepping there will sink you to unheard of realms below, or evaporate you in an instant.
I also like maritime terms, such as oceanic abyss or chasms, creatures like the sea anemone (a rather gruesome being that fools its prey to think it is basically just some harmless sea-weed), or other gaps and faults.
I also like maritime terms, such as oceanic abyss or chasms, creatures like the sea anemone (a rather gruesome being that fools its prey to think it is basically just some harmless sea-weed), or other gaps and faults.

