# close on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/close-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to move closer to someone or something you are chasing or following.

For teachers: to reduce the distance between oneself and a target during a pursuit; often implies an impending capture or arrival.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The runner is closing to the finish line." but "The runner is closing on the finish line." — the preposition 'on' is required to show the target of the pursuit.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a person, vehicle, or destination being pursued.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'close in on', which implies surrounding a target from multiple sides, whereas 'close on' focuses on the reduction of linear distance.

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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.