close on
phr. v..phr. v.. to move closer to someone or something you are chasing or following.
phr. v.. to reduce the distance between oneself and a target during a pursuit; often implies an impending capture or arrival.
The police cars are closing on the stolen truck.
The leading runner looked back and saw the rest of the pack closing on her.
As the storm clouds began closing on the small coastal village, the residents scrambled to board up their windows.
- Particles
- on
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- close + on + object
usually followed by a person, vehicle, or destination being pursued.
contrast with 'close in on', which implies surrounding a target from multiple sides, whereas 'close on' focuses on the reduction of linear distance.
The runner is closing to the finish line.The runner is closing on the finish line.the preposition 'on' is required to show the target of the pursuit.