spider-web

A spider-web glistens with morning dew in the garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A web spun by a spider: "spider-web" refers to the silken structure produced by a spider, typically used for catching prey.
   • Something resembling a spider's web: "spider-web" can also describe any intricate, net-like pattern or network, such as a network of threads, wires, or cracks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The morning dew glistened on the delicate spider-web in the garden. (The silken structure spun by a spider.)
  • The cracks in the old window formed a spider-web pattern. (An intricate network resembling a spider's web.)

Advanced Usage

• "spider-web of lies": a complex and tangled network of falsehoods.

  • The politician's testimony was a spider-web of lies that entangled everyone involved. (A complicated and deceptive network of untruths.)

• "spider-web of relationships": a complex and interconnected set of social or professional connections.

  • The company's board members were linked in a spider-web of relationships that made decision-making difficult. (An intricate network of personal or professional ties.)

Variants and Related Words

• Spiderweb (n): an alternative spelling of "spider-web" (often used interchangeably).

  • A spiderweb stretched across the doorway. (The same silken structure.)

• Web (n): a shortened form, often used to mean "spider-web" in context.

  • The spider repaired its web after the rain. (The spider's silken structure.)

Synonyms

• Cobweb: a spider's web, especially one that is old and dusty.

  • The attic was full of cobwebs. (Old, dusty spider-webs.)

• Net: a meshed structure, though usually man-made, can be used metaphorically.

  • The fisherman cast his net into the water. (A meshed structure for catching fish.)

Phrasal Verbs

• There are no common phrasal verbs that use "spider-web" as a verb. However, the word "web" can be used in phrasal verbs like web together (to connect intricately), but this is rare and not standard.

Related Idioms

• "caught in a spider-web": to be trapped in a complicated or deceptive situation.

  • He found himself caught in a spider-web of legal problems. (Entangled in a complex and difficult situation.)

• "spin a spider-web": to create a complex or deceptive network.

  • The spy spun a spider-web of false identities to avoid detection. (Created an intricate and misleading system.)