narrow the gap

idiom

Meaning

To reduce the difference between two things — such as scores, wealth, or ability — so that they become closer. "New schools helped narrow the gap between rich and poor students."

Examples

SIMPLE

The team scored again to narrow the gap.

CONTEXTUAL

By training every weekend, she slowly narrowed the gap between herself and the top runners in her club.

COMPLEX

The policy was meant to narrow the gap between urban and rural incomes, but critics argued it barely touched the causes of the divide.

Last updated July 27, 2026