It makes a triangular web, sitting at the apex and holding an anchor line that attaches it to something solid.

Similarly, ships could use flags to signal for assistance if, for example, an anchor line parted during a storm.

Other examples include clothesline, chalk line, anchor line (rode), stern line, fishing line, marline and so on.

Flexible-wing types often rely on an anchor line or the weight of a pilot hanging beneath to maintain the correct attitude.

An anchor rode (or anchor line) usually consists of chain or cable or both.