Phrasal verb
close in
Definitions
01to approach or surround
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to move closer to someone or something from all sides, especially to catch them.
phr.v. to approach a target from multiple directions or to narrow the distance in a pursuit, often implying an impending capture or confrontation.
“The police began to close in on the suspect as he reached the end of the street.”
“As the search party began to close in on the remote cabin, the fugitive realised that his window for escape had finally shut.”
Usage
often used with the preposition 'on' to indicate the target.
02visibility or space decreasing
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. when things like darkness, fog, or walls seem to move nearer and limit your space.
phr.v. to gradually surround or envelop, typically used of environmental factors like darkness, weather, or metaphorical pressures.
“The thick fog started to close in, making it hard to see the path ahead.”
“With the deadline approaching and the budget exhausted, the manager felt the walls closing in on his department's future.”
Usage
often used with 'around' or 'on'.
Synonyms
03to enclose
C1 · Advanced Formal
phr.v. to shut something inside a space or to cover it completely.
phr.v. to enclose or shut in a person or object within a confined space.
“They decided to close in the porch with glass windows to keep the heat inside.”
“The architect proposed to close in the courtyard with a retractable glass roof to allow for year-round use regardless of the weather.”
Usage
transitive use; requires a direct object.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “close in” in context.
Verb
01. close in for the kill
“The lioness crouched low in the grass, waiting for the perfect moment to close in for the kill.”
verb + prep + noun
02. close in from all sides
“The enemy troops started to close in from all sides, leaving the soldiers with no way to escape.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
03. close in on the suspect
“The police officers began to close in on the suspect as he tried to reach his car.”
verb + prep + noun
04. rapidly close in
“The deadline was rapidly closing in, and we still hadn't finished the final report.”
adv + verb
Adverb
05. slowly close in
“Darkness was slowly closing in on the small mountain village as the sun set.”
adv + verb
06. steadily close in
“The gap between the two runners was narrowing as the champion steadily closed in.”
adv + verb
Teaching tip
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
close + in (+ on + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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