包囲網

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 包囲網 is read ほういもう. It means an encircling line or cordon intended to contain movement or escape.
• Basic usage: It appears when soldiers break through an encirclement and when police tighten a cordon.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Breaking through
  • 包囲網を突破した means breaking through the surrounding line.
• Tightening a cordon
  • 包囲網を徐々に狭めた means the police gradually narrowed the area enclosed by the cordon.