drag-net

drag-net

A fisherman pulls a drag-net through the shallow water.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A net used for dragging: A "drag-net" is a type of fishing net that is pulled along the bottom of a body of water or through the air to catch fish or birds.
    • A system for searching or capturing: Figuratively, a "drag-net" refers to an organized system or operation used to search for or capture people or things, especially by police or authorities.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The fishermen deployed a drag-net to catch a large school of cod. (A net dragged through water to catch fish.)
    • Police conducted a drag-net across the city to find the fugitive. (An extensive search operation to capture a person.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to cast a drag-net": to initiate a wide-ranging search or capture operation.

    • The agency cast a drag-net over the internet to identify cybercriminals. (They began a broad search online.)

  • "a legal drag-net": a set of laws or regulations that broadly targets a category of people or activities.

    • The new anti-terrorism law was criticized as a drag-net that could infringe on civil liberties. (A law that captures many people, not just suspects.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Dragnet (n): an alternative spelling of "drag-net," often used as a single word.

    • The TV show "Dragnet" popularized the term for police work. (A proper noun referring to a famous police drama.)

  • Drag (v): to pull something with force, as in dragging a net.

    • They had to drag the heavy net back to the shore. (To pull along a surface.)
Synonyms
  • Trawl net: a net used for fishing that is dragged through water.
  • Sweep: a broad, systematic search or operation.
  • Roundup: an act of gathering or capturing people or things, often by police.
Phrasal Verbs

  • Drag in: to bring something or someone into a situation unnecessarily.

    • Don't drag the whole family into this disagreement. (To involve or force participation.)

  • Drag out: to prolong or extend something.

    • The investigation dragged out for months. (To last longer than necessary.)
Related Idioms

  • Drag one's feet: to act slowly or reluctantly.

    • The government is dragging its feet on implementing the new policy. (Delaying action.)

  • Drag through the mud: to damage someone's reputation by saying bad things about them.

    • The politician was dragged through the mud during the scandal. (Publicly humiliated or defamed.)