# narrow the gap

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/narrow-the-gap
Updated: 2026-07-27

## 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

- The team scored again to narrow the gap.
- By training every weekend, she slowly narrowed the gap between herself and the top runners in her club.
- The policy was meant to narrow the gap between urban and rural incomes, but critics argued it barely touched the causes of the divide.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.