A sudden market downturn, especially in the cryptocurrency space, can often be attributed to a "whale trap." This term refers to a strategy used by large investors (whales) who have the power to manipulate the market by making significant moves. Here’s how it works:

1. **Sell-Off:** A whale might initiate a large sell-off, causing panic among retail investors who see the price drop and start selling their assets too.

2. **Panic Selling:** As more investors sell off their assets, the price continues to drop, creating a cascading effect.

3. **Buy Back:** Once the price has dropped sufficiently, the whale may start buying back at the lower prices, effectively increasing their holdings while causing a recovery in the market.

This type of manipulation is designed to shake out weaker hands and accumulate more assets at a lower price. It's a common tactic in markets with high volatility and less regulation, like cryptocurrencies.