close up
- 01 B1 Intermediate
phr.v.to shut a shop or business at the end of the day or for a long time.
phr.v.to cease operations of a business or building, either for a temporary period or permanently.
Simple“The baker usually starts to close up the shop around five o'clock.”
In context“After forty years of service, the family decided to close up the hardware store and retire to the coast.”
Synonymsshut downlock upAntonymsopen up - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
phr.v.to move closer together to fill an empty space.
phr.v.to reduce or eliminate a gap between people or objects by moving closer together.
Simple“The soldiers were told to close up the line so there were no gaps.”
In context“As the marathon reached its final mile, the lead runners began to close up the distance between themselves and the pace car.”
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
phr.v.when the edges of a cut or wound join together and start to get better.
phr.v.of a wound or aperture: to heal or become blocked by the joining of edges.
Simple“The doctor said the cut was small enough to close up on its own.”
In context“The surgeon monitored the incision closely to ensure the tissue would close up without excessive scarring or infection.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
phr.v.to stop sharing your feelings or to stop talking suddenly.
phr.v.to become uncommunicative or secretive; to refuse to speak further about a topic.
Simple“Whenever I ask about his childhood, he seems to close up and change the subject.”
In context“The witness began to close up under aggressive questioning, providing only one-word answers to the defence attorney.”
Synonymsshut downclam upAntonymsopen up - 05 B1 Intermediate
n.a photograph or film shot taken from very near to the person or object.
n.a photograph or film sequence taken at short range, showing a subject in great detail.
Simple“The director wanted a close-up of the actress to show her sad expression.”
In context“The documentary features a stunning close-up of a rare butterfly emerging from its chrysalis in the rainforest.”
UsageUsually written with a hyphen (close-up) when used as a noun.
PitfallHe took a close-up from the mountain. He took a close-up of the flower.Use 'of' to indicate the subject of the close-up photograph.
distinguish between the physical movement of closing a gap and the functional act of closing a business for the night.