close in
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to move closer to someone or something from all sides, especially to catch them.
to approach a target from multiple directions or to narrow the distance in a pursuit, often implying an impending capture or confrontation.
Simple“The police began to close in on the suspect as he reached the end of the street.”
In context“As the search party began to close in on the remote cabin, the fugitive realised that his window for escape had finally shut.”
Usageoften used with the preposition 'on' to indicate the target.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
when things like darkness, fog, or walls seem to move nearer and limit your space.
to gradually surround or envelop, typically used of environmental factors like darkness, weather, or metaphorical pressures.
Simple“The thick fog started to close in, making it hard to see the path ahead.”
In context“With the deadline approaching and the budget exhausted, the manager felt the walls closing in on his department's future.”
Usageoften used with 'around' or 'on'.
Synonymsenvelopencroach - 03 C1 Advanced
to shut something inside a space or to cover it completely.
to enclose or shut in a person or object within a confined space.
Simple“They decided to close in the porch with glass windows to keep the heat inside.”
In context“The architect proposed to close in the courtyard with a retractable glass roof to allow for year-round use regardless of the weather.”
Usagetransitive use; requires a direct object.
highlight the metaphorical use with 'darkness' or 'winter' to show how the phrase can describe a feeling of being trapped or surrounded by an environment.