# box in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/box-in
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to surround someone or something so they cannot move or escape.

For teachers: to restrict the movement or options of an agent by surrounding them physically or metaphorically.

## Examples

- I can't leave because another car boxed me in.
- The defense managed to box in the star player, preventing him from scoring any points.
- The company felt boxed in by the new government regulations and the aggressive expansion of its main competitor.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The cars boxed in me." but "The cars boxed me in." — when the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- often used in the passive voice to describe a feeling of being trapped.
- Teaching tip: use the image of a physical box to help students visualize the lack of space or options; contrast with 'corner' which implies being pushed into a single point.

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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.