Japanese meaning of 一網打尽
Reading:
いちもうだじん (ichimō dajin)
English Translation:
To round up and capture all at once.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Capturing or dealing with all targets or problems in one sweep.
Cultural Context:
Originates from a fishing metaphor—casting a single net ("one net") to catch everything within it. Now used in law enforcement, business, and gaming to describe comprehensive action or crackdown.
一度にすべての対象や問題を捕らえる、片付けること。
漁で一度に多くの魚を捕らえる「一網」に由来。現代では警察の摘発、ビジネス、ゲームなど、対象を一気に制圧・解決する場面で使われる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase often followed by “にする” or “となる” when used metaphorically (“敵を一網打尽にする”).
• Can also appear in passive form with “にされる.”
Trap for English Speakers
May confuse learners into thinking it always refers to crime; can also be used metaphorically in games or competitions.
Example
Basic Example
警察は一網打尽に犯人グループを逮捕した。
The police arrested the entire group of criminals in one sweep.
Applied Example
逃げる敵を一網打尽にして試合を終わらせた。
He caught all the fleeing enemies in one net, ending the match.