Phrasal verb
hem in
Definition
phrasal verb. to surround someone or something so they cannot move or act freely.
phrasal verb. to enclose or confine within a restricted space or situation, preventing movement or progress. Often used in the passive voice to describe physical or metaphorical restrictions.
Examples
“The tall buildings hem in the small park.”
“During the protest, the police managed to hem in the crowd to prevent them from reaching the square.”
“The small startup felt hemmed in by the aggressive patent litigation and regulatory hurdles imposed by its larger competitors.”
Examples
simple
“The tall buildings hem in the small park.”
contextual
“During the protest, the police managed to hem in the crowd to prevent them from reaching the square.”
complex
“The small startup felt hemmed in by the aggressive patent litigation and regulatory hurdles imposed by its larger competitors.”
Usage
Frequently used in the passive form 'to be hemmed in' followed by 'by'.
Teaching tip
Connect the meaning to the 'hem' of a garment—a border that keeps the fabric from fraying—to help students visualize the concept of a boundary.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
hem + object + in
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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