Also means
to comb (an area), to sweep
Usage Note
Ratisser literally means to rake leaves or gravel, but figuratively it means to comb through an area — police ratissent a neighbourhood when searching for a suspect. The colloquial phrase ratisser large means to cast a wide net or to be broad in one's approach, often used approvingly in marketing or strategy contexts.
Examples
"Il ratisse les feuilles mortes dans le jardin."
Natural Translation
He rakes the dead leaves in the garden.
Related Words
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