ENGLISH
REFERENCE

close to sb/sth

idiom
Meaning

Means you are near a person or thing in distance. It can also mean you have a strong, loving relationship with someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

My house is close to the train station.

CONTEXTUAL

She is very close to her sister and tells her everything.

COMPLEX

After years of working together on difficult projects, the two researchers became close to one another, sharing both their professional successes and personal struggles.

Last updated April 22, 2026