Nautical Term: Heave taut

Definition of Heave taut

Heave taut refers to the action of pulling in a rope or line until there is a noticeable tension or strain on the line.

For example, when a fishing boat is lowering a fishing line into the water, the crew members may instruct each other to heave taut the line as it nears the water’s surface. This helps ensure that the fishing hook is properly set on any fish that may be present in the water.

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