Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:15

"Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in [his] talk." — Matthew 22:15 (ASV)

How they might entangle him — Literally, ensnare. The phrase is identical in meaning to our common expression “set a trap.” The plot implies that they did not dare to take measures openly against Him as long as popular feeling remained at the same level.