drowning machine

drowning machine
 n.— «This creates a hazardous situation for paddlers who don’t know that the river is about to take a dangerous drop. Low-head dams, such as Idols, are often referred to as “drowning machines” because of the way the recirculating water continues to pull a person underwater.» —“Making the Yadkin safer” by Lisa O’Donnell Winston-Salem Journal (North Carolina) Sept. 1, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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