close1 verbclose2 adjectiveclose3 adverbclose4 nounclose5 noun
closeclose1 /kləʊz $ kloʊz/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINclose1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French clos, past participle of clore ‘to close’, from Latin claudereVERB TABLE
close
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | close |
| he, she, it | closes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | closed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have closed |
| he, she, it | has closed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had closed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will close |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have closed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am closing |
| he, she, it | is closing | |
| you, we, they | are closing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was closing |
| you, we, they | were closing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been closing |
| he, she, it | has been closing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been closing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be closing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been closing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Close all applications before shutting down your computer.
- Close the curtains - it's getting dark.
- After 85 years, the local newspaper closed down last month.
- Ann closed her book and stood up.
- Do you mind if I close the window?
- Hundreds of timber mills have been closed since World War II.
- Most of the stores close at 6:30.
- Okay, close your eyes and make a wish.
- She took the necklace out of the box and closed the lid.
- The cut should close up within a few days.
- The door closed silently behind Mariko.
- The hotel is closed in the winter.
- The legislation closes a lot of loopholes in the tax law.
- The novel closes when the family reunites in Prague.
- The special offer for tickets closes June 3.
- WalMart shares closed only 4 cents down.
- What time does the mall close tonight?
- Anheuser-Busch even threatened to close its St Louis plant if the tax measure passed, though nobody believed that.
- It's closing down ... declared a fire safety risk ... only a few years after it was reopened.
- The first shock was that the mill closed.
- The pension fund was broke, the mines were closed, and it looked like the moon.
- The play opens Monday and is scheduled to close March 20.
- When he finishes his supper, the boy tucks the lunch box back into a shopping bag and closes his eyes.
THESAURUS
to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shutespecially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: · Can I close the window?· Her eyes slowly closed.· He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.
to close something. Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: · He shut the door with a loud bang.· Shut your eyes and go to sleep.
to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: · She left the room, slamming the door behind her.
to close curtains by pulling them across a window: · The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.
to close a container by putting a lid onto it: · Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?
to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: · In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.
Longman Language Activatorto close your eyes/mouth to close your eyes or mouth: · I lay down and closed my eyes.· He shut his eyes and listened to the music.· Lara opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again.
things you do with a computer to put information into a computer by pressing the keys: · When you have entered your credit card information, go to the next screen.
to make a file, program etc that is exactly the same as another one: · Copy the files into a new folder.
to make a computer keep the work that you have done in its memory or on a disk: · Save your work and close down any applications that are open.
to remove a piece of information from a computer's memory: · Delete any files that end in ".tmp".
to use the mouse to choose words or pictures on a computer screen, usually making them change colour: · To create parallel columns, press Alt-F7 and select option 4.
to move up or down through a document on a computer: scroll up/down: · Scroll down to see when the website was last updated.
also do a search to look for information on a computer or on the Internet: search for: · I did a search for any articles by Varenqe on the web, and I found quite a few.search by: · To find a book on our site, you can search by author, title, or subject.search something for something: · You can search the document for particular words or phrases, in order to get directly to the information you need.
to make a document or computer program ready to use: · Open the file called Templates.
to do the things you have to do when you want to stop using a document or a computer program: · Close all applications before shutting down your computer.
to press a button on a mouse in order to choose something on the screen and make the computer perform a particular action: · Click on 'next' when you have finished filling out the form.
to remove a piece of information from one place in a computer program or document and put it in a different place instead: · It's easier if you just cut and paste the information from one page to another.
to mark words in a computer document in a different colour so that you can see them easily or to separate it from the rest of the document: · To delete a block of text, highlight it and then press Del.
to move something on a computer screen by pulling it along with the mouse: · You can delete the files by dragging them into your "trash" folder.
to secretly and often illegally find a way to reach the information on someone else's computer system so that you can use, change, or damage it: · A criminal gang hacked into a credit card company's most secure files.
when a company, shop, or business fails · A large number of businesses failed when interest rates rose.· Several thousands of small businesses fail each week.
if a company goes out of business , it stops existing because it is no longer making a profit: · Many small farms are going out of business.be put/forced out of business: · As the recession hit, many traders were forced out of business.
if a business, bank, or company goes under , it fails - used especially in newspapers and business contexts: · When the company went under, some of our workers found positions with Ford.
if a shop, factory, or business closes down, it stops making or selling goods: · If the factory closes down, 600 people will lose their jobs.· Coal mines are closing down all over the country.· Not long ago, the orchestra was the pride of the city. Now it is on the verge of closing down.
British /closing American when a shop, factory, or business fails and closes: · Further factory closures have been announced.closure of: · The closing of the Minton Savings and Loan was a great loss to the town.face/be threatened with closure (=to be going to close down): · Penrhyn is now the largest quarry in the world, yet 5 years ago it faced closure.
informal if a person or company goes bankrupt , they are legally forced to sell their property and possessions to pay their debts: · Her father went bankrupt in 1984.· He bought a small printing firm that had gone bankrupt.· The company went bust last year, owing £12 million.
informal to fail and be unable to continue in business: · Most of the companies dependent on the steelworks folded within weeks.
informal to fail and be unable to continue in business, especially because of difficult economic conditions: · Over 300 small firms have gone to the wall in the past year.· High interest rates will force many businesses to go to the wall.
not far away only a short distance from a person, place, or thing: · We camped in a forest near a large lake.· Don't go near the fire.· Have you ever been to Versailles? It's near Paris.· The place where we were going was much nearer than I thought.near enough to do something: · Bob was standing near enough to hear what they were saying.nearer to something/nearest to something: · If we moved to Dallas we'd be nearer to my parents.· Only the people who were nearest to the speaker could actually hear what he said.near here: · The accident happened somewhere near here.
very near to something or someone, or almost touching them: · As we approached Abbeville, the gunfire sounded very close.close to: · Don't drive so close to the edge of the road.close behind/beside: · Suddenly we heard footsteps close behind us.close together: · The houses were built very close together, and the gardens were rather small.· Nancy came over and sat close beside me on the bed.close by (=near where you are): · Is there a gas station close by?
used to say that something is quite near something or someone: a short distance away: · I'd parked my car a short distance away, just around the corner.a short distance from: · Harvard University is only a short distance from the center of Boston.a short distance to the south/north etc: · The source of the river is a short distance to the south of here.
not a very long distance away - use this about somewhere that is near enough to be easy to get to: · "How far's the station?" "Oh, not far - about ten minutes by car."not far from: · Asti is not far from the French border.not far away: · Our hotel was in the centre of town but the beach wasn't far away.
near the place where you are or the place you are talking about: · Dave, who was sitting nearby, laughed when he heard this.· The house is really nice, and a lot of my friends live nearby.· It was very convenient having the garage nearby.
British /neighboring American a neighbouring country, town, area etc is near the place where you are or the place you are talking about: · The fair attracted thousands of people from neighbouring areas.· Soldiers and firemen from 13 neighboring towns wrestled with the blaze for hours.
formal in the area around and near a particular place: · A white van was seen in the vicinity at about the time when the murder took place.in the vicinity of: · In the past ten years there have been more cases of cancer in the vicinity of nuclear installations.
to get nearer to someone or something to go or come nearer to a person, place, or thing: · As Kay got near the house she began to feel nervous.get near/close to: · We had been traveling for two hours and I knew that we must be getting close to Vancouver.get near/close enough to do something: · I couldn't get close enough to see what was happening.get nearer/closer (to something): · People were running for shelter. The hurricane was getting closer and closer.· Every day the Russian tanks were getting nearer to Berlin.
to move gradually closer to a person, place, or thing. Approach is more formal than get near and get close .: · The train slowed down as it started to approach the station.· We could hear footsteps approaching down the corridor.
if a group of people close in on someone or something, they gradually move closer to them from all sides so that they surround them in a threatening way: · Well-organized bands of rebels began to close in on the capital.· The divers were surrounded by three sharks which were rapidly closing in on them.· TV crews closed in on Geldof as soon as he stepped out of his car.
to gradually get nearer to a place - used especially in stories or descriptions of events: · As she neared her home she could see a light in the window.
written to move closer to something or someone: · The two men were talking, but as we drew near they turned and stared at us.· Madge drew a little nearer so that she could hear what he was saying.draw near to: · The rebels hoped that many of the government troops would join them when they drew near to the city.
near enough to see or hear clearly very near, especially so that you can see something clearly: · If you look at the painting close up you can see that it's a fake.close up to: · Dragging a chair close up to the television screen, she sat down to watch the film.
if you see or experience something at close quarters , often something dangerous or frightening, you are closer to it than usual, especially so that you can see it clearly: · From our hiding place we were able to observe the animals at close quarters.· This was the first time I had seen such poverty at close quarters.
very near someone or something, especially after you have only seen them from a distance: come/get/go/move etc up close: · Brigit looked great from a distance, but when she came up close you could see that she wore a lot of make-up.· "All you have to do is to get up close," Woolley said, " and shoot straight."
a photograph taken from very near: · She brought the camera forward to get a close-up of the actor's face.in close-up (=from very near): · Each butterfly had been photographed in close-up so that you could see every detail.
to close a container to close a container, such as a box, case, or bottle: · As the teacher appeared, Matt shut the box quickly.· Russell shut his briefcase with a snap, and the meeting was over.· Put lids on all the jars and close them tightly.
to shut a container such as a bottle or box by putting a lid onto it: · Put the lid on the cookie jar when you've finished with it!· If you leave cooked food in a pan, you should always put the lid on.
to shut a container such as a bottle by putting the lid on and turning it round and round until it cannot be turned any more: screw on something: · I screwed on the top of the bottle as tightly as I could.screw something back on: · The fuel tank cap hadn't been screwed back on properly, and it came off when I drove away.screw something on: · She screwed the lid of the jar on again.
to close a door, window, gate etc to move a door, window, gate etc so that it is no longer open: · Come in and shut the door behind you.· Someone had shut the gate to stop the sheep getting out onto the road.· She heard Charlotte downstairs shutting the windows, and locking up for the night.
to shut something, especially in a careful way: · Do you mind if I close the window?· She took the necklace out of the box and closed the lid.
to shut a door quickly so that it makes a loud noise, especially because you are angry: · Jane marched out of the room slamming the door behind her.· He slammed the door so hard that the glass cracked.
to push, kick, slide etc something so that it shuts: · The woman pushed the door shut with her foot.· It started raining, so I quickly pulled the window shut.· "Sorry, we're closed,'' said the official, sliding the wooden panel shut.
to move a door so that it is almost shut: · "Tell me what's wrong,'' I said, pulling the door to.· She pushed the door to against the blinding sunlight.
to close curtains by pulling them across a window: · Let's draw the curtains. We don't want people looking in.· The curtains were closed and the room was in darkness.
when a shop or office is closed also shut British if a shop or office shuts or closes , it stops being open for business: · "What time does the bank shut?" "Four o'clock."· Most of the stores close at 6:30.
also be shut if a shop or office is shut or is closed , it is not open for business: · The ticket office was closed.· It was nine o'clock and all the stores were shut.
to become shut to become shut: · He walked out and the door shut behind him.· There was a bang as the gates shut.· Her eyes closed, and she fell into a deep sleep.
also slam shut if a door slams or slams shut , it shuts quickly and makes a loud noise: · Outside in the street, car doors slammed and people were shouting.· She heard a door slam shut and the sound of footsteps on the path.
if a door, window, gate etc slides , blows , swings etc shut , it shuts by sliding, being blown, swinging etc: · The window suddenly blew shut, with a loud bang.· The elevator doors silently slid shut.
when people unite if the people in a group pull together , they all work together to deal with a difficult situation: · In Japan in the 50s and 60s, the government, bankers and workers all pulled together and brought about what we now call "the economic miracle'.pull together to do something: · Parents, teachers, and students should all pull together to tackle the school's drugs problem.
if a group of people stand together , they unite and deal with a difficult or dangerous situation as a group: · We must all stand together on this one. I don't want anybody quitting or saying they don't want to get involved.· Somehow they stood together and kept the business going in spite of all that was going on.
informal if two or more people stick together , they continue to support each other even when there are problems or difficulties: · It is important for families to stick together.· We should be able to get out of this mess, provided we stick together.
if people who belong to a group or organization close ranks , they join together to protect each other, especially when the group or its members are being criticized or attacked: · When she applied for promotion, the male managers all closed ranks and made sure she didn't get it.· President Nixon's staff were instructed to close ranks in response to the Watergate arrests.
if a group of people are united, they support each other or are working together in a difficult situation: · Organisers want the conference to show that the party is united as never before.be united in: · The Council is united in its resolve to maintain and develop standards of professional management.
WORD SETSbear, nounbearish, adjectivebear market, nounbond, nounbondholder, nounbroker, nounbrokerage, nounbull, nounbullish, adjectivebull market, nouncall option, nounclose, verbcommon stock, controlling interest, nouncrash, verbcrash, noundisinvestment, noundividend, nounDow Jones Average, float, verbflotation, noungilt, noungilt-edged, adjectiveinsider trading, nounirredeemable, adjectivejobber, nounjunk bond, nounmarketmaker, nounmutual fund, nounordinary shares, nounover-the-counter, adjectivepar, nounportfolio, nounprospectus, nounredemption, nounrights issue, nounsavings bond, nounsell-off, nounshare, nounshareholder, nounshare index, nounspread, nounstock, nounstockbroker, nounstock certificate, nounstock company, nounstock exchange, nounstockholder, nounstock market, nounsubscribe, verbtrade, verbunit trust, noununlisted, adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep. an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies. his close association with the Green Party He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind. a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. the close link between teacher and student Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other). a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully) I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns. We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.
Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep. (=something you say at the end of a speech) In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only.
In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only. an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in). (=have almost reached an agreement)· Management and unions are close to an agreement about pay.
· He forged a strong alliance between his state and the church.
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.· Students learn to make a close analysis of the texts.
his close association with the Green Party· The customs officer opened my bag.
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.· A strong bond had developed between them.
(=prevent people from crossing)· The government moved quickly to close the border.
(=especially a meeting)· At last the meeting was brought to a close.
· He was writing his books towards the end of the 19th century.
(=at the beginning or end of a special event)· I stayed for the closing ceremony.
(=a careful one)· His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.
(=in which the people know each other very well)· He cultivated a close circle of musical acquaintances.
(=a close one)· His intimate circle was tiny.
(=not open to other people)· He didn’t have much experience of life beyond the closed circle of his family.
· The front door shut with a click.
a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. (=in which you are very near your opponent)· Swords and spears were used for close combat.
Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. (=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
· At school, we were close companions for several years.
(also somebody's nearest competitor British English) (=someone's main competitor)· He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.
· the close connection between maths and physics
(=in which people, groups etc discuss something carefully together)· The changes followed close consultation with government officials.
(=communicating with someone often)· I like to stay in close contact with my parents.
(=one which someone wins by a very small amount)· The race was a close contest between two evenly matched crews.
· We work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service.
(=a good copy)· It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.
· They found evidence of a high correlation between drinking and violence.
The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. (=close them)· The room was dark because the curtains were drawn.
The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. literary (=it becomes darker outside)· The rain turned to snow and darkness closed in.
(=the last day you can officially do something)· The closing date for applications is April 30th.
formal (=agree a deal formally)· A deal between the two companies has now been concluded.
· I opened the door and Dad was standing there.· Can you close the door as you go out?
· We were still waiting for the train doors to open.
· She shut the drawer and locked it with a small key.
a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something)· The corner store was the closest equivalent we had to a supermarket when I was young.
(=very careful and detailed)· A close examination of the figures revealed many discrepancies.
· On closer examination, I could see a slight crack in the window.
(=close together)· He had a small nose and close-set eyes.
· Joe closed his eyes and tried to get back to sleep.
· She let her eyes close for just a moment.
· The factory was closed down in 2006.
(=a family that spends a lot of time together and gives each other support)· Laura's family are very close.
· You may need to close the file and restart the computer.
(=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)
(=one of the friends you like the most)· She’s a good friend of mine.
· Ron had formed a close relationship with Andrea.
(=reduce the amount or importance of a difference)· The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.· The policies are designed to close the gap between rich and poor.
· Please close the gate.
(=in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support)· The young mothers in the village are a fairly close-knit group.
I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. the close link between teacher and student (=change something so that there is no longer a loophole)· The president is eager to close tax loopholes for foreign companies.
(=with each team playing equally well)· Germany won the match, although it was close.
(=end it)· He closed the meeting by saying, ‘I think we have made great progress.’
(=that only a few people are allowed to go to)· The senator attended a private meeting with the president.
· He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.
· A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.
· The two companies have built up a close partnership over the past four years.
Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other).· Most people were predicting a close race.
a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)· Many Japanese favor closer relations with the U.S.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· Many of her close relations live nearby.
· Laura had a very close relationship with her grandmother.
· The evidence points to a close relationship between poverty and disease.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· He lost several close relatives in the war.
· The vase bore a close resemblance to one owned by my mother.
(=the one that is closest to beating them)· She finished 7.1 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
· The mountain road was closed by snow.
(=very careful scrutiny)· Both these areas of law have come under close scrutiny by the courts.
· There was a close similarity between his and Smith's views on education.
· She was well cared for during the final stages of her life.
(=quickly one after the other) He fired two shots in quick succession.
He fired two shots in quick succession.· Children were allowed out only under close supervision.
(=be almost crying)· He could see that May was close to tears.
· He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.· The book comes a little too close to the truth for their liking.
· She shut the window firmly.
· All the windows were closed.
We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.· He changed his opinion during the last years of his life.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· He closed the book and slipped it into a polythene bag.· Before every architect closes this book in disgust, let me explain.· The Shoah will never be a closed book.· The goal of reading is to be done with it, to be able to close the book and play.· Southworth closed the accounts book, a smile of satisfaction twisting his lips.· I closed the book, touching it gently.· And, by definitively closing the book on the past, the language of socialism also remains trapped in Stalinism's wreckage.· She closed the book and peered up at him over the frame of her reading glasses.
· Neighbouring countries have closed their borders.· Instead, we latch on to shortsighted, shallow solutions, like closing our borders and becoming isolationists.· Will his ideology make him close the border, or will economic self-interest keep it open, at least for a time?· Will the West cling to the idea of universal worth while selfishly consuming Arab oil wealth and closing its borders to Arabs?
· I enjoy closing a deal 5a.· He talks and talks, compromises and compromises, until he closes a deal.· In the heart of the city, Bob Scott is further still from closing a deal.· Many will offer low-interest loans, tax breaks or whatever else it takes to close a deal.· Novell expects to close the deal in the first quarter of 1993.· Grace said it expects to close the deal in the quarter beginning July 1.· When agreement is reached close the deal quickly and immediately confirm the agreed terms in writing in a heads of agreement.· They hope to close the deal by year-end, but that may be too optimistic.
· She stalked away from the front door and it closed softly behind him.· Harriet waited until the door had closed after her and flicked the button, feeling oddly apprehensive.· They were waiting for him, and the bedroom door was closed.· The door was closed, the curtains drawn against the morning sunlight.· A door closed, the window panes shook.· The back door closes, swings shut, drives me to place myself inside it.· There was a single narrow window opening on a shaded garden and when the door was closed it was difficult to see.
· Asa Vaughan closed the file and looked up.· Zaborski closed the file and pressed a button under his desk.· When I finally closed the file, it was dark outside.· Li Shai Tung closed the file with a sigh.· Hilary Robarts, the Acting Administrative Officer, had already closed her file.· A statement used to close a data file.· You should also close data files before chaining another program.
· But it has closed the gap slightly.· In recent years, California sparkling wines have been closing the style gap as well.· With Lauda sidelined, the way was open for Hunt to close the gap even further.· Women are closing the math gap.· If Jackie were to close the gap, it would have to be at the Nürburgring.· That might close the gap between media and players.· He is notable for closing the usual gap between commercial and personal work.· With a few exceptions, it was not until the 1960s that large companies in Britain began to close the gap.
· In 1963, the Bureau closed the gates of Glen Canyon Dam.· Once I was outside, I left the engine running and ran back to close the gate.· Development, so denied, often results in closed gates, bad affect, boredom, and mindlessness among students and teachers.· The Rifleman ducked under the arch, then waited as Harper closed the two heavy gates.· The closed gate suddenly seemed miles away.· They could close the gates and have him bottled up.· Affect is the gatekeeper and determines whether the gates are open or closed.
· The market says close the pits.· Quantum announced its results after the market closed.· When the market closed in 1974, the piazza narrowly survived being turned into an office development.· Microsoft released the earnings after the market closed.· The announcement came minutes before the market closed.· The bond market was closed yesterday for the Martin Luther King holiday.· If the futures price falls below the lower limit of the band, the market will close limit-down.· The results were released after the stock market closed.
· The humiliation of her position was boundless, and she tried to close her mind to her awful predicament.· My eyes are closed but my mind is open.· Bambi's closed her mind to it.· Memories of her grandmother's judgements obtruded themselves and she closed her mind against them.· She stretched out on the bed, closing her mind to the sounds and waited.· She had immediately closed her mind to all thought, not even realising how tightly she had been gripping fitzAlan's hand.· I closed my ears and tried to close my mind to what was happening.
· Because of its reduced jaws, its teeth often fail to meet properly when the mouth is closed.· Cut small pieces and chew methodically with your mouth totally closed.· His mouth remained closed in favour of the second mouth conveniently nearer the lungs.· Rin Tin Tin barked in sync, but the cowboys kept talking long after their mouths were closed.· Harriet pressed a hand to her mouth and closed her eyes.· Glover opened his mouth and then closed it.
· The group is closing the St Austell plant despite recent capital investment and numerous employment initiatives.· Should you close an antiquated plant, retool it, or sell it?· Do firms close their branch plants before their headquarters?· The engineering firm, Meco is to close its plant at Ashchurch near Tewkesbury, making around 350 staff redundant.· Tavlin also speculated there may be cost savings from closing manufacturing plants.· Anheuser-Busch even threatened to close its St Louis plant if the tax measure passed, though nobody believed that.· They closed a few plants and decided to use the idle machinery to make plastic chips for cigarette filters.
· I will attempt to do this with reference to the issue of the social consequences of closing primary schools in rural areas.· The giggling spread like wildfire, and eventually forced the closing of some schools.· Come holiday time, Stanley closed the school and was off north quicker than you could say algebra.· In 1989 the town had voted down a petition to close the school and bus the seventeen Granville students to Rochester Elementary.· Everywhere you look there are operations cancelled, old people's homes closed down, and schools struggling to cope.· People were trapped in elevators, businesses closed early, and schools sent students home.· Mary Read closed the school after providing one final line-up in the Princetown Follies in 1935.· I have suggested that many people believe that there is a valid way of life argument against closing any rural primary school.
· Mr Evans closed the shop for an extra half hour and brought out a bottle of sherry.· And retailers, caught betwixt the two, were perplexed and losing money, if not closing up shop for good.· Arthur Davidson has closed his London antique shop of that name under pressure of mounting debt.· Ezra hurried by the closed shops toward the river; back along Canal Street to the Hotel Rehoboth.· At lunch-time she closed the shop for an hour or longer, and shut up at five-thirty.· It was at ten minutes to nine when she decided to close up the shop.· Surely they must be about to close the bomb shop down.
· She would have closed the window, except that then Anna would probably be unable to sleep for the heat.· Billy closed the window and hid the sticky spoon.· Here, be a sport, could you close that window?· The warmth inside made them lively, and they started bouncing against the closed windows.· Why didn't you just say no and close the window?· Faintly, through the closed window, I could hear the barking of Angus.· Stopped Thousands of residents were ordered to stay indoors and close all windows before the alert was finally called off.· I close the window again with a smug smile on my face, and wait for the next battalion of eager buzzers.
VERB· They've been transferred from Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon, where hospital managers have been forced to close three operating theatres.· None of these factors actually forced the school to close, Olson later told Duberman.· The consumer spending crisis has forced many women to close down their businesses.· The giggling spread like wildfire, and eventually forced the closing of some schools.· Read in studio Former drug abusers fear addicts could die if a rehabilitation centre is forced to close.· The hospital claims that would mean 20 job losses, forcing the unit to close.· Her jaw clenches as if she has to force it open and closed to get out each word.
· There are tales of clanking chains and doors which open and close of their own volition.· I heard Ted in the bedroom, a drawer opening and closing.· Any campaign to attract students to history should emphasise how its study can open many doors while closing few.· People chattering, doors opening and closing, loud male greetings, the level of noise rising.· There was the rattle and heavy clunk of a fridge door being opened and closed.· Principals in New York can not tell school custodians when to open and close their schools-much less discipline or fire them.· It is this spirit and this very music which opens and closes Janácek's opera From the house of the dead.· The opening closed, they A deeper, groaning.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► close something ↔ down► close something ↔ up► close something ↔ up► close an accountPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close to the bone► play/keep your cards close to your chest► can do something with your eyes shut/closed► (hard/hot/close) on somebody’s heels► move in/close in for the kill► close to the mark► deep-set/wide-set/close-set eyes► shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
- He talks and talks, compromises and compromises, until he closes a deal.
- I enjoy closing a deal 5a.
- I told her not to come back until she closed a deal.
- In the heart of the city, Bob Scott is further still from closing a deal.
- Many will offer low-interest loans, tax breaks or whatever else it takes to close a deal.
- Why, then, are some salespeople reluctant to close a sale?
- As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed.
- The ticket office was closed.
- Until we can talk about this in a civil manner, I consider the discussion closed.
- Course all the stores are closed now.
- For insurance reasons, the course will be closed to automobile traffic.
- Muzi Ford in Needham was closed.
- Roads were closed and eight ambulances stood by as the cloud drifted towards the villages of Wincham and Lostock Gralam.
- The A55 Conwy tunnel was closed for more than an hour.
- The National University was closed four years ago by the army.
- The period should be closed so that actual expenditures as they occurred are stated in this column. 2.
- The Ptarmigan was closed, and so I walked down beneath the ski-tow towards the road.
- By the end of 1986 Seadocs had closed its doors.
- Equitable's managing director quit and the group closed its doors to new business.
- In 1976, Stax closed its doors.
- It will close its doors for much of the process, which will be complete in 2004-5.
- Leisure centres close their doors because of a lack of sufficient funds to operate them.
- The acclaimed restaurant closed its doors a few months ago, sending many a fan into deep depression.
- The troubles will not close our doors.
- Thousands of businesses closed their doors.
- Academic interpretations held off the shame for a while, but then he could no longer close his mind to it.
- Bambi's closed her mind to it.
- He could tell by her eyes that she had closed her mind to him.
- I closed my ears and tried to close my mind to what was happening.
- Memories of her grandmother's judgements obtruded themselves and she closed her mind against them.
- She had immediately closed her mind to all thought, not even realising how tightly she had been gripping fitzAlan's hand.
- She stretched out on the bed, closing her mind to the sounds and waited.
- He called for the Lebanese to close ranks behind his government.
- President Nixon's staff were instructed to close ranks in response to the Watergate arrests.
- The Republicans in Congress have closed ranks and refused to vote for the president's proposal.
- When she applied for promotion, the male managers all closed ranks and made sure she didn't get it.
- For a time, none the less, the Congregationalist clergy closed ranks around the Suspect Mayhew against the great enemy that Caner represented.
- She had done the unforgivable, and now we closed ranks against her.
- The Arab world is closing ranks against terror and everyone understands that this means terror against us.
- The Crevecoeurs had always closed ranks in times of crisis, hadn't they?
- The male mafia will close ranks and deem such a woman unstable, neurotic and quite unsuitable for responsibility.
- Those who want to close ranks in this fashion will find themselves very lonely, however.
- We must close ranks with them because we talk the same language.
- What happens in this situation has been well documented: Each group becomes more cohesive, as members close ranks.
- And, by definitively closing the book on the past, the language of socialism also remains trapped in Stalinism's wreckage.
- Rady made a motion to close the book on the matter.
- The police have closed the book on the Hannah Davies case.
- Finnegan's Bar is closing up shop after 35 years.
- Some of the big ad agencies close up shop early for the holidays.
- A few companies closed up shop in California.
- And retailers, caught betwixt the two, were perplexed and losing money, if not closing up shop for good.
- At one stage, he considered closing up shop for good.
- But your own past can be a closed book, even at fourteen.
- He is holding a closed book, signifying a mystery, possibly a stage in the alchemical process.
- I can not believe that it can be right that this late in the game Poetry is still a closed book.
- I tell myself it's a closed book, but my cover story becomes an old man's compensation.
- Linear preoccupation in the past remains a closed book to modern understanding.
- The highly organised St Stephen's Society programme which she now leads was at that time a closed book to her!
- The kitchenette is a closed book.
- The Shoah will never be a closed book.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- A loss in this election will not necessarily close the door on the campaign.
- Come in, lads, come in and shut the door on the fog.
- Even so, Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility.
- Imagine asking that they close the door on me so I can see what it feels like.
- It watched her, unwinking, until she reached the room behind the shop and shut the door on its crimson gaze.
- Lucker murmurs something to Jasper and leads him away closing the door on me.
- She closed the door on them.
- The previous owner had used a bathroom off one of the bedrooms as storage and simply closed the door on it.
- As the habeas hearing drew near, Lancaster County officials' concern over these revelations grew noticeable.
- As the pair drew near he turned and fled.
- As the race drew closer it was time for Paul to take a back seat.
- As we drew near and I watched 747 after 747 climbing laboriously into the clouds, I wondered what fate befell me.
- Men prosper for a decade, and demons dare not draw near!
- The bailiff directed all to draw near and give their attendance, promising that they would be heard.
- They drew near the bed and stared down at the boy who lay there sleeping in its drifts of tumbling lace.
- Two young boys, of around ten years of age, drawing closer, then parallel, now swiftly passing, past.
- As the decade drew to a close, it was evident that consumers were fed up.
- As the General's visit ended, the competition drew to a close.
- As the singing draws to a close, the cousins urge her to make a wish.
- But Enterprise Neptune has not drawn to an end with the successful completion of its Silver Jubilee year.
- He used to long for his holidays and grow deeply depressed when they drew to an end.
- The last of the wine is poured; the meal draws to a close.
- The long gray afternoon drew to a close.
- The year 1968 drew to a close and with it the life of Londonderry Corporation.
- At first, I closed my ears to what I did not want to hear.
- Claudia sank down on to her bed and tried to shut her ears to the sound of him in the next room.
- Don't close your ears to the world and don't give up.
- He tried to close his ears to the plea.
- Rincewind tried to shut his ears to the grating voice beside him.
- She heard the boys hurling abuse at her, shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.
- She wanted to close her ears to it.
- Sometimes she even managed to shut her ears to the arguments going on around her.
- We can't close our eyes to the fact that our town has a gang problem.
- I've closed my eyes to your activities long enough.
- If we must sometimes close our eyes to open them in the myth dimension, so be it.
- On a sob Ruth swallowed hard and closed her eyes to the burning sun overhead.
- On the other hand the very same development increases their tendency to close their eyes to the future.
- Prayer May we never become so worldly that we close our eyes to the miracle and mystery of life.
- The need to push came again, and Jane closed her eyes to concentrate.
- They could not shut their eyes to the ugly and degrading side of wine-drinking and see only the delightful side.
- Turning off the light, she slid back under the covers and closed her eyes to sleep fitfully until noon.
- His latest challenge is on a smaller scale, but it's much closer to his heart.
- I hold you near, close to my heart, There's so much for me to give, Where to begin?
- It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.
- One subject is obviously dear to Schofield's heart - the captaincy of Great Britain and Leeds.
- Other songs: Include Stainsby Girls, inspired by a Middlesbrough school close to his heart.
- The electrification of the network, a topic close to Lenin's heart, was discussed in the pages of Gudok.
- The President would go to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place close to his heart.
- Critique followed hot on the heels of this pioneering work.
- On the heels of this came Mr J. to tell us that young Mrs P. had had her thighbone crushed.
- Then it seemed that the consummation would follow soon on the heels of its inauguration.
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- They had quite a reputation for sailing close to the wind.
- With his own property, it was perhaps easier too for a baron to take risks or sail close to the wind.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- He keeps tabs on everyone in the building.
- A psychologist will keep tabs on teams of youngsters and will stop the operation if they show signs of stress.
- About the world Lenny Wilkens has been keeping tabs on world events, and one thing is clear.
- Although so little was heard from them, those who kept tabs on them were convinced that they were slowly fading away.
- Anne Dickson, a local politician, said people had been keeping tabs on Hamilton for years.
- But trappers will keep tabs on the extra traps until February, officials said.
- If she asked, he would accuse her of nagging, of wanting to keep tabs on him.
- They patrol land and keep tabs on the gangs after tip offs from gamekeepers and farmers.
- We try to keep close tabs on our boys in blue.
- The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.
- The main street in Lincoln is narrow, and the little houses are close together.
- These horses show relaxed, peaceful outlines, with friends standing particularly close together.
- They stood close together in silence, listening.
- Though they are close together on the couch, there is in fact a chasm between them.
- We draw close together to complete our plans.
WORD FAMILYadverbclosecloselynounclosenessadjectivecloseverbclose
1shut [intransitive, transitive] to shut something in order to cover an opening, or to become shut in this way SYN shut OPP open: Would you mind if I closed the window? She closed the curtains. Let me do the car door – it won’t close properly. Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep. She heard the door close behind her.2move parts together [intransitive, transitive] to move the parts of something together so that there is no longer a space between them: Anne closed her book and stood up.3shut for period of time [intransitive, transitive] (also close up) if a shop or building closes, or you close it, it stops being open to the public for a period of time OPP open SYN shut British English: The shops close at six. Harry usually closes the store completely when he goes on vacation.4stop operating [intransitive, transitive] (also close down) if a company, shop etc closes, or you close it, it stops operating permanently SYN shut down: We have reluctantly decided to close the factory. The shop closed down some time last year.5end [intransitive, transitive] to end or to make something end, especially in a particular wayclose something with/by etc I will now close the meeting by asking you to join me in a final toast.close with The movie closes with an emotional reunion in Prague.closing remarks (=something you say at the end of a speech) In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only.6close an account to stop having and using a bank account or other financial account: My husband closed all my credit card accounts without even asking me.7in money markets [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to be worth a particular amount of money at the end of a day’s trading (=the buying and selling of shares) on the stock exchangeclose at The dollar closed at 64p against the pound.close up/down Their shares closed 27p up (=worth 27p more).8close a deal/sale/contract etc to successfully agree a business deal, sale etc9offer finishes [intransitive] to finish on a particular date SYN end: Our special offer closes on June 3.10make distance/difference smaller [intransitive, transitive] to make the distance or difference between two things smaller: an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poorclose on The other car was closing on us fast.11make something unavailable [intransitive, transitive] to make taking part in an activity or using an opportunity no longer possible: Bidding for the painting will close on Friday. The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in). The legislation aims to close a lot of legal loopholes.12be closed if a subject is closed, you are no longer willing to discuss it: It was a regrettable incident but I now consider the matter closed.13close your doors (to somebody) to stop operating permanently: In 1977 the Skyfame Aircraft Museum closed its doors to the public for the last time.14close your mind to/against something to refuse to think about something: She wanted to close her mind to the outside world.15hold something [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] if someone’s hands, arms etc close around something, or are closed around something, they hold it firmlyclose (something) around/round/over etc something Her left hand closed over his arm. She closed her hand tightly around her bag.16wound [intransitive, transitive] (also close up) if a wound closes, or if someone closes it, the edges grow together again or are sewn together: The surgeon closed the incision neatly.17close ranks a)if people close ranks, they join together to protect each other, especially because their group, organization etc is being criticized b)if soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together18close the book on something to stop working on something, especially a police operation, because it is not making any progress: Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey Murders case three years previously. → closing date, closing time, → close/shut the door on something at door1(9), → close your eyes to something at eye1(16)GRAMMARClose belongs to a group of verbs where the same noun can be the subject of the verb or its object.• You can say: · She closed the door. In this sentence, ‘the door’ is the object of close.• You can say: · The door closed. In this sentence, ‘the door’ is the subject of close.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSclose to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shutespecially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: · Can I close the window?· Her eyes slowly closed.· He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.shut to close something. Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: · He shut the door with a loud bang.· Shut your eyes and go to sleep.slam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: · She left the room, slamming the door behind her.draw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them across a window: · The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.put the lid on something to close a container by putting a lid onto it: · Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?seal to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: · In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.close down phrasal verb1close something ↔ down if a company, shop etc closes down or is closed down, it stops operating permanently: Paramount closed down its London office in 1968.2British English to stop broadcasting radio or television programmes at the end of the day: BBC 2 closes down at 12.45 tonight.close in phrasal verb1to move closer to someone or something, especially in order to attack them: The snake closed in for the kill.close in on/around/upon etc enemy soldiers closing in on them from all sides2if the night, bad weather etc closes in, it becomes darker or gets worse: The sun had set and dusk was closing in.3if the days close in, they become shorter because it is autumnclose something ↔ off phrasal verb to separate a road, room etc from the area around it so that people cannot go there or use it: The roads into the docks were closed off by iron gates.close on somebody/something phrasal verb1to get nearer to someone or something that is moving in front or ahead of you: The patrol car was rapidly closing on us.2American English to successfully arrange a loan, especially in order to buy a houseclose something ↔ out phrasal verb American English1to finish in a particular way: The bond market closed out the week on a strong note.2if a store closes out a type of goods, they sell all of them cheaply: We’re closing out this line of swimwear.close up phrasal verb1close something ↔ up if a shop or building closes up or is closed up, it stops being open to the public for a period of time: The resorts are all closed up for the season.2close up shop to stop doing something for a period of time or permanently: When it rains, there is no alternative but to close up shop.3if a group of people close up, they move closer together4 close something ↔ up if a wound closes up or if someone closes it up, the edges grow together again or are sewn together: The scar is closing up nicely – it’ll soon be time to take the stitches out.5to become narrower or to shut: The flowers close up at night. Occasionally the channel widened then closed up tight again.6to refuse to talk to someone about something: The moment I said I was a police officer, everyone would close up like a clam.close with somebody/something phrasal verb1to agree a business deal with someone: It was such a good offer that I closed with him on the spot.2 literary to move towards someone in order to fight with themclose1 verbclose2 adjectiveclose3 adverbclose4 nounclose5 noun
closeclose2 /kləʊs $ kloʊs/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective (comparative closer, superlative closest) WORD ORIGINclose2
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French clos, from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere; ➔ CLOSE1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Dad and I have always been very close.
- I'm still very close to my parents.
- It turns out that Julie is a close friend of my cousin Kelly.
- Mom and I are a lot closer now than we were when I was a teenager.
- My sister and I used to argue a lot, but now we're very close.
- On closer examination of the facts it became clear that the boy was innocent.
- Our birthdays are close together.
- Our job requires close contact with the sales manager.
- She was never very close to her stepmother.
- Take a close look at this photograph.
- The grocery store on Victory Boulevard is closer.
- The school encourages close partnerships between teachers and parents.
- We have always been a close family.
- We haven't finished remodeling the kitchen yet, but we're close.
- What we need now is closer cooperation between the sales and marketing staffs.
- Are they in good condition, especially those close to the house?
- Bormann followed the simple principle of always remaining in the closest proximity to the source of all grace and favor.
- But the Gulf of California is closer than you think, and currently under assault by everything from pollution to poaching.
- Federal Trade Commission officials would not comment on the deal, but are expected by industry experts to give it close scrutiny.
- Is there some one he would listen to, such as a close friend or relative?
- It is important that the close link with the local authority remains.
- Rosen has worked politically for Kennedy since his 1980 presidential primary run and developed a close friendship with the senator.
- Snowden's close reasoning and unerring instinct for words were allied with Maxton's humour and Churchill's daring.
THESAURUS
adjective almost the same: · Jo said she’d had a similar experience.· The colours are very similar, but I like this one best.
preposition similar to something or someone else: · It tastes a little like chicken.· She still looks like a teenager.
adjective [not before noun] very similar – used especially about the way people look or behave: · She and her sister look alike.· Lawyers are all alike - I don’t trust them.
adjective very similar: · The film bears a close resemblance to real life (=is very similar).· The painting is remarkably close to the original.
very similar: · The glass is still made in much the same way as it was 100 years ago.· People are much the same, wherever you go.· She still looks very much the same.
adjective exactly the same: · The two computers were identical in design.· identical names
adjective having the same colour, style, pattern etc as something else – used about clothes or furniture that you wear or use together: · She wore matching silver shoes and handbag.· a dining table and matching chairs
formal fairly similar to something: · These dialects are akin to Arabic, though different in several respects.
Longman Language Activatoralmost a number, time, or amount use this to say that something is a little less than a number or amount, or a little before a particular time. Almost and nearly have the same meaning, but almost is much more common than nearly in American English. In British English both words are common: · I've been a teacher for nearly 10 years now.· We had money and almost $1000 in traveler's checks.· John is three years old and Sally is almost six.very nearly: · It's very nearly time to go home.
use this when you want to emphasize that something is a little less than a number or amount, or a little before a particular time: · "Is he 60?" "Not quite!"· It's not quite time to go yet.
also close on British almost a particular number, amount, especially a surprisingly large one, or almost a particular time, especially a very late time: · The government spends close to $100 billion a year on education.· There must be close to a hundred people in the hall.· We drove close on 500 miles Saturday.· It was close on midnight by the time they got home.
almost a particular number, amount, time etc, and still increasing or getting nearer to that number, amount, time etc: · In the North East, the unemployment rate is now nearing 20 percent.be fast approaching (=very nearly a particular time): · By now the winter was fast approaching, and further travel would soon be inadvisable.
British informal to be almost a particular time, age, or period of time: it's getting on for something: · It's getting on for 10 years since we last saw each other.· It must be getting on for lunch time. I'm starving.somebody is getting on for 40, 50 etc (=use this when guessing an older person's age): · "How old's Diane?" "She must be getting on for 50."
informal to be almost forty, fifty etc - use this when you are guessing an older person's age : · Burt's probably pushing 50 by now.
when something is almost true · His hair was almost white.· The moon was almost full that night.· Persuading Paul to change his mind is nearly impossible.
not completely, but almost - use this to say that something is not true, but it is almost true: · That's a good answer but it's not quite correct.· It's not quite red, it's more like a maroon color.· The orbits of the planets are almost circular, but not quite.
very nearly: · The cupboard was practically empty.· Carbon fibre tennis racquets are virtually unbreakable.· She looks practically the same as his last girlfriend.
especially spoken very nearly - use this when saying that the difference is not important: · All the rooms are more or less the same size.· His jacket was pretty much the same colour as his trousers.· Until the 18th century, the region remained more or less independent.
if a guess at a number, amount etc is close , it is almost correct but not exactly right: · "I reckon he's about 65." "You're close - he's 67."
when something almost happens but does not · I was laughing so hard I almost fell out of my chair.· The terrorists almost succeeded in blowing up the President's limousine.very nearly · She was very lucky. She very nearly lost her life.
to almost do something or almost be in a particular state: come close/near to doing something: · She was so angry that she came very close to walking out of the meeting.· Dad came near to changing his mind about lending me the car.be close/near to something: · The negotiations were very near to breaking down.
to very nearly do something, especially something dangerous or unpleasant: come within inches of death: · Coulson came within inches of death on a climbing trip in the Himalayas last year.come within an inch of doing something: · Manchester United came within an inch of losing the game.
: narrowly avoid/miss/escape etc to avoid something unpleasant or dangerous, although you almost do not avoid it: · Flying into the airport at Lima, we narrowly avoided a collision with another plane.· The article says Meyers narrowly escaped arrest in Rome last month.
a situation in which someone is almost killed or injured: · Mike's had two motorcycle accidents, plus a few other pretty close shaves.
British if something that you succeed in doing is a near thing or a close thing you succeed in doing it, but only at the last moment: · The Labour party won the election, but it was a very near thing.· Security forces managed to free the hostages, but it was a very close thing.
spoken say this when something bad very nearly happens but does not, especially when this is the result of good luck: · The guard began to search the pile of leaves where we were hiding, but then got distracted by a noise from the house. "Phew, that was close!" said John. "C'mon, let's get out of here!"
careful work/checks/actions a careful test, study, piece of work etc is done carefully and correctly, with a lot of attention to detail: · A careful inspection showed cracks in the foundation of the building.· Her book is the result of years of careful research.
a thorough search, check, examination etc is one that is done carefully so that no detail is missed : · The doctor gave me a thorough check-up.thorough search/check/examination etc: · The police have made a thorough search of the area.
a systematic way of doing something uses a fixed plan, so that everything gets done thoroughly - use this especially about activities that are dishonest or harmful: · the systematic destruction of the country's education system· Ex-prisoners talked of systematic cruelty within the jail.
: rigorous tests/checks/examination etc checks etc that are done very carefully to make sure that something is safe, suitable etc or of the right quality or standard: · Every new drug has to pass a series of rigorous safety checks before it is put on sale.· The entrance tests for people wishing to enter the diplomatic service are particularly rigorous.
very careful and thorough, and taking a lot of time and effort: · They began the long and painstaking task of compiling a bibliography.
: close look/examination paying very careful attention to details: · Take a close look at this photograph.· On closer examination of the facts it became clear that the boy was innocent.
very carefully making sure that every detail is exactly right, so that it cannot be criticized: · Scrupulous cleanliness is necessary when preparing food in a restaurant.· The investigation was carried out with scrupulous fairness.· Outstanding hospitality and scrupulous attention to detail make The Oceanic one of the finest hotels in the resort.
to be in an equal position in a game, competition etc if two of the competitors in a game or competition tie , they get the same number of points: be tied: · The two teams are tied with two games a piece.tie for: · Woosnam and Lyle tied for fourth place on 264.tie with: · I won the first competition and tied with Wilson in the second.
British two teams or competitors that are level at a particular moment in a game or competition have the same number of points: · They scored in the eighth minute but four minutes later we were level.· If the scores are level after 90 minutes, extra time will be played.be level with: · Thanks to today's victory they are level with their main rivals, AC Milan, at the top of the Italian league.draw level (=get enough points to be level): · Brazil were in the lead, until Argentina drew level at the half-time whistle.
also be level pegging British informal use this when two people, horses etc are doing equally well in a race or competition, so that it is impossible to guess who will win: · The two horses are running neck and neck.· For three miles now both yachts have been neck and neck.· The Republicans and Democrats are neck and neck in the opinion polls.· The poll shows the two main parties level pegging, with 33% of the vote each.
especially British a game in which both opponents or teams have equal points at the end, so that neither wins: · Neither side has scored. It looks as if it's going to be another draw.· Last week's draw was a bad result for Arsenal, putting Manchester United ahead of them in the league.end in a draw (=finish with scores equal): · If the final ends in a draw, the game will be decided on penalties.
British to finish a game with the same number of points as your opponent, so that neither of you wins: · "Did you win?'' "No, we drew.''draw with: · Real Madrid drew with Barcelona in the last game of the season.draw a game/match: · The Australian rugby team drew the first game of their European tour, sixteen-all against France at Lyon.
spoken say this when both players or teams have two points, four points etc in a game: · It's two all at the moment, but Germany seems the better team.· "What was the final score?" "One all."
a finish to a race between horses, dogs, or people that is very nearly equal so that it is extremely difficult to say who has won: · It's a photo finish -- we'll have to bring in the judges to decide the winner.· After a very close-run race, it ended in a photo finish.
if the result of a competition, election, race etc is too close to call , the people taking part in it are equally successful, so there is no clear winner: · The exit polls suggest that the election may well be too close to call.
when something bad almost happened, but did not: narrowly avoid/miss/escape etc to avoid something unpleasant or dangerous, although you almost do not avoid it: · A black BMW swerved, narrowly missing another car.· He narrowly escaped arrest when the police raided his house.
British also close call American a situation in which something bad almost happens but does not: · A sniper's bullet went through the sleeve of his coat. It was a close shave but didn't even scratch him.· Joe breathed a sigh of relief as the guard passed on to the next cell: "That was a close call!"
spoken say this when you have managed to avoid something dangerous or unpleasant, but you almost did not: · Geez, that was close! Did you see that red car?
a situation in which something, especially a car or plane, almost hits something, but does not: · There were two near misses on the airport's runways between 1998 and 1999.· The asteroid flew within 106,000 miles of Earth, which astronomers considered a near miss.
to like someone a lot and care about them to love someone in your family, so that you care a lot about what happens to them, and you want them to be happy: · I really believed that my parents didn't love me.· He loved his stepdaughter as if she were his own child.
if people are close , they enjoy being together and they know and understand each other's feelings and thoughts: · My sister and I used to argue a lot, but now we're very close.· We have always been a close family.close to: · I'm still very close to my parents.
to like someone very much, especially after spending a long time with them and getting to know them: · I'm very fond of my sister's children.· All teachers have children that they are particularly fond of.· We were all very fond of Mr Edwards.
to feel love and concern for someone: · She thinks we're interfering but we're only doing it because we care.· Buy her some flowers to show her you really care.care about: · I'm very lucky to have a husband, family and friends who care about me.· Of course I care about Kirsty - that's why I want to help her.
to love someone very much and feel proud of them: · Branwell Bronte adored his sister Anne.· She adores her grandchildren and is always buying them presents.
to love and admire someone very much: · He worshipped his elder brother.worship the ground somebody walks on (=love someone very much, even if they behave badly): · In Susie's eyes he can do no wrong - she worships the ground he walks on.
to love someone very much and be very loyal to them or spend all your time with them: · He is a good man, devoted to his wife and children.
to love someone, especially someone younger than you, very much and show this by your actions: · He'd do anything for his children - he really dotes on them.· She obviously dotes on her grandson.· You should visit your aunt more often, you know how she dotes on you all.
to love and respect someone so much that they are very important in your life: · We all thought the world of Isaac and were devastated when he died.· He thinks the world of his uncle.
to get nearer to someone or something to go or come nearer to a person, place, or thing: · As Kay got near the house she began to feel nervous.get near/close to: · We had been traveling for two hours and I knew that we must be getting close to Vancouver.get near/close enough to do something: · I couldn't get close enough to see what was happening.get nearer/closer (to something): · People were running for shelter. The hurricane was getting closer and closer.· Every day the Russian tanks were getting nearer to Berlin.
to move gradually closer to a person, place, or thing. Approach is more formal than get near and get close .: · The train slowed down as it started to approach the station.· We could hear footsteps approaching down the corridor.
if a group of people close in on someone or something, they gradually move closer to them from all sides so that they surround them in a threatening way: · Well-organized bands of rebels began to close in on the capital.· The divers were surrounded by three sharks which were rapidly closing in on them.· TV crews closed in on Geldof as soon as he stepped out of his car.
to gradually get nearer to a place - used especially in stories or descriptions of events: · As she neared her home she could see a light in the window.
written to move closer to something or someone: · The two men were talking, but as we drew near they turned and stared at us.· Madge drew a little nearer so that she could hear what he was saying.draw near to: · The rebels hoped that many of the government troops would join them when they drew near to the city.
easy to get to if a place is within walking distance , it is not far away, and you can walk there easily: · There are several good restaurants within walking distance.within walking/driving etc distance of: · Dr Goldthorpe lived within walking distance of the University.within easy walking etc distance (of something): · Fortunately the house that we were renting was within easy driving distance of the shops.
near enough to a town or place for you to get there without too much difficulty: within reach of: · It was just lucky that we were within reach of a hospital.within easy reach (=near enough to get to easily): · Around Salzburg there are literally dozens of exciting places to visit -- all within easy reach.
British also convenient to something American if your home, office etc is convenient for or handy for a particular place, that place is near it and easy to reach: · The place where we live now is very convenient for the school - it's only a couple of minutes on foot.· My husband works in London so we're looking for a house that's handy for the station. · We found an apartment convenient to campus and public transportation.
also round the corner British not far away, especially in the streets of a town: · "Is there a bank near here?" "Sure, it's just around the corner."· She won't be long, she's only gone round the corner.around the corner from: · We met in a bar just around the corner from my apartment.
if a building or person is close at hand , they are very near and therefore available in case you need them: · The Exhibition Centre is a great day out, with plenty of parking and all the attractions of Manchester close at hand.· I'm very glad that, when my children were small, my mother was always close at hand.
if you say it's no distance , you mean that a place is not far away and is therefore easy to get to: · We come up here regularly from London; it's no distance. it's no distance from: · It's no distance from here to Fifth Avenue. We can easily walk it.
if one place is a stone's throw from another place, it is only a very short distance from it, so that it is easy to get to: · I was born in Wembley, a stone's throw from the football stadium!only a stone's throw from something: · Stanford Hospital is only a stone's throw from where I live.within a stone's throw of something: · The river's within a stone's throw of our apartment - we can see it from the window.
to have a good relationship when two people or groups are friendly towards each other and work well together: · My boss and I have a very good relationship.have a good relationship with: · It's important that the school have a good relationship with the students' parents.· The president has a good working relationship with this Congress.
also get on British if two or more people get along or get on , they have a friendly relationship with each other: · I don't understand why you two girls don't get along.get along with: · He's very easy to get along with.· Martin was chosen because he is a good administrator who gets along with everyone.get along/on well: · We all get on really well, so we're going to share a flat next year.get along/on like a house on fire (=extremely well): · I wasn't sure whether David and Ann would like each other, but they got on like a house on fire.
if people are on good terms , they have a polite relationship and they can work well together, but they are not close friends: · They divorced several years ago, but they're still on good terms.be on good terms with: · We're on good terms with all our neighbours except the couple upstairs.· Taylor has managed to remain on good terms with his former employers.
if two or more people are close , they like each other very much, and can talk to each other about their feelings, their problems etc: · Dad and I have always been very close.close to: · She was never very close to her stepmother.close friend: · It turns out that Julie is a close friend of my cousin Kelly.
to win when you almost lost if someone wins something or is elected by a narrow margin , they win by getting only a few more points, votes etc than their opponent: · We won the debate by a narrow margin.· Winning by a narrow margin, the Lakers now go on to play in the championships.
British to win by a very small number of votes or points, or by a very small distance in a race: · The Green Party scraped home in the local elections.· The referees decided that Foreman had just scraped home.
also be a close-run thing British if a race, competition, election etc is close or is a close-run thing , any person or party could win because they all have nearly the same number of points, votes etc, or are close to each other in the race: · The election was very close - a handful of votes decided it.· The champions have kept their title, but it was a close-run thing.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 6phrases Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies. his close association with the Green Party He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind. a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. the close link between teacher and student Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other). a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully) I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns. We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.
· She moved forward to take a close look at the painting.
(=watch someone or something carefully)· They have to keep a close eye on their finances.
nouns· A closer examination of the facts soon solved the mystery.
· Their research involved a close study of two communities.
· You will lose weight if you combine exercise with close attention to your diet.
(=careful and thorough examination of someone or something)· The investigation included close scrutiny of the images on CCTV.
(=looking at someone or something in detail)· Closer inspection revealed that the rocks were from an earlier period.
(=constantly making sure that someone does things in the correct way)· Initially there will be close supervision of the trainee.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=have almost reached an agreement)· Management and unions are close to an agreement about pay.
· He forged a strong alliance between his state and the church.
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.· Students learn to make a close analysis of the texts.
his close association with the Green Party· The customs officer opened my bag.
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.· A strong bond had developed between them.
(=prevent people from crossing)· The government moved quickly to close the border.
(=especially a meeting)· At last the meeting was brought to a close.
· He was writing his books towards the end of the 19th century.
(=at the beginning or end of a special event)· I stayed for the closing ceremony.
(=a careful one)· His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.
(=in which the people know each other very well)· He cultivated a close circle of musical acquaintances.
(=a close one)· His intimate circle was tiny.
(=not open to other people)· He didn’t have much experience of life beyond the closed circle of his family.
· The front door shut with a click.
a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. (=in which you are very near your opponent)· Swords and spears were used for close combat.
Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. (=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
· At school, we were close companions for several years.
(also somebody's nearest competitor British English) (=someone's main competitor)· He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.
· the close connection between maths and physics
(=in which people, groups etc discuss something carefully together)· The changes followed close consultation with government officials.
(=communicating with someone often)· I like to stay in close contact with my parents.
(=one which someone wins by a very small amount)· The race was a close contest between two evenly matched crews.
· We work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service.
(=a good copy)· It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.
· They found evidence of a high correlation between drinking and violence.
The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. (=close them)· The room was dark because the curtains were drawn.
The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. literary (=it becomes darker outside)· The rain turned to snow and darkness closed in.
(=the last day you can officially do something)· The closing date for applications is April 30th.
formal (=agree a deal formally)· A deal between the two companies has now been concluded.
· I opened the door and Dad was standing there.· Can you close the door as you go out?
· We were still waiting for the train doors to open.
· She shut the drawer and locked it with a small key.
a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something)· The corner store was the closest equivalent we had to a supermarket when I was young.
(=very careful and detailed)· A close examination of the figures revealed many discrepancies.
· On closer examination, I could see a slight crack in the window.
(=close together)· He had a small nose and close-set eyes.
· Joe closed his eyes and tried to get back to sleep.
· She let her eyes close for just a moment.
· The factory was closed down in 2006.
(=a family that spends a lot of time together and gives each other support)· Laura's family are very close.
· You may need to close the file and restart the computer.
(=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)
(=one of the friends you like the most)· She’s a good friend of mine.
· Ron had formed a close relationship with Andrea.
(=reduce the amount or importance of a difference)· The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.· The policies are designed to close the gap between rich and poor.
· Please close the gate.
(=in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support)· The young mothers in the village are a fairly close-knit group.
I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. the close link between teacher and student (=change something so that there is no longer a loophole)· The president is eager to close tax loopholes for foreign companies.
(=with each team playing equally well)· Germany won the match, although it was close.
(=end it)· He closed the meeting by saying, ‘I think we have made great progress.’
(=that only a few people are allowed to go to)· The senator attended a private meeting with the president.
· He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.
· A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.
· The two companies have built up a close partnership over the past four years.
Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other).· Most people were predicting a close race.
a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)· Many Japanese favor closer relations with the U.S.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· Many of her close relations live nearby.
· Laura had a very close relationship with her grandmother.
· The evidence points to a close relationship between poverty and disease.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· He lost several close relatives in the war.
· The vase bore a close resemblance to one owned by my mother.
(=the one that is closest to beating them)· She finished 7.1 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
· The mountain road was closed by snow.
(=very careful scrutiny)· Both these areas of law have come under close scrutiny by the courts.
· There was a close similarity between his and Smith's views on education.
· She was well cared for during the final stages of her life.
(=quickly one after the other) He fired two shots in quick succession.
He fired two shots in quick succession.· Children were allowed out only under close supervision.
(=be almost crying)· He could see that May was close to tears.
· He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.· The book comes a little too close to the truth for their liking.
· She shut the window firmly.
· All the windows were closed.
We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.· He changed his opinion during the last years of his life.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Probably they would have lost all the same, but another bowler might have made it much closer.· In fact, however, the experiences of men and women are much closer than most people realize.· If women were evenly distributed across the spectrum of employment, their pay levels would be much closer to those of men.· The game is much closer than it should be.· This year, however, Britain has been faced by a tyrant much closer to home.· It wasn't the truth awaiting her at the château that she feared, but one much closer to home.· And almost immediately after that she realised that Julius had moved much closer.· But according to his campaign manager Mr Brian Fisk, it's all much closer to home than it was in 1966.
· Twice I ran perilously close to the edge, my eyes dazzled and eyelids drooping.· I was perilously close to being touched once and for all.· In the middle of the game Kasparov, seemed perilously close to a loss.· He was perilously close to losing control over House Republicans, especially the newly-elected class of 73 right-wing ideologues.· Are you aware that you're getting perilously close to slander?· But he was perilously close to the edge of the crumbling cliff.· During the battle five Troll Slayers distinguished themselves by attacking and destroying three Trolls which were perilously close to crushing Duregar himself.· Last season's away form led to flirting with relegation and we went perilously close.
· He gripped the wheel tightly and held his face quite close to the windscreen.· Bullets were passing quite close overhead, and one ricocheted off a front mudguard.· Where I live at present is bounded by two rivers and is quite close to the sea.· Magee could make out two figures crouched on the steps near the top, quite close to the door of the church.· Then she heard the sound of a car - quite close.· They were attractive-looking animals and they often allowed us to get quite close.· I had an accident quite close to the gates and Jorge came to get me and helped me back.· It had seemed a long way away, but in some ways it might be quite close.
· We were so close - weren't we?· The hairs on his forearm brushed hers, he sat so close.· He did not like the fact that his potential assassins had got so close to the Hotel where he was staying.· She hadn't realised that they were so close.· Help had been so close - and the disappointment was all the greater for it.· Furious as he undoubtedly was with her, she still felt a thrill to be so close to him.· Balder Head farmhouse was so close to the reservoir that the water lapped up to the garden wall.· In the meantime because he lay so close to them Tom was able to hear and see most of what went on.
· On the other hand, supper sounded too close to bedtime for his liking.· Avoid getting too close to them and certainly don't try to wrestle with them or restrain them.· The moorings are too close to town centre.· Even the car keys or a belt buckle may upset things if placed too close.· Never sit too close to fires.· From here they can move forward to interpose themselves when the enemy is too close.
· You do business with my daddy, you're very close to him in that way.· I think this is going to be a very close game and one that will be decided by mistakes.· Rod himself admits that he's been very close to arrest.· His eyes searching hers from very close quarters, he chuckled when she hastily lowered her lashes.· In another very close team event Wallasey just beat the Menai Straits one design club by a quarter point.· The two brothers were very close and no writer I can think of has such a hatred of death as Canetti.· He looked as if he'd taken both barrels into his chest at very close range.· Consider this as simply a very close and enjoyable relationship in order to answer the following question.
NOUN· The result is that poverty and retirement are usually close allies.· The two countries are close allies.· Cleveland was a close ally of Dorsheimer and an admirer of Olmsted.· The United States, formerly President Barre's close ally, has abandoned him.· A close ally of Clinton, he led his election campaign in Mississippi.· When they failed, Aristide chose a close ally, Rene Preval, as his successor.
· It had a close associate in Col.· Salameh was a close associate of the alleged mastermind of the Trade Center bombing, Ramzi Yousef.· In April 1959 Castro, despite the misgivings of some of his close associates, visited the United States.· Almost all were close associates of Mulroney.· The family was later to be among Gloucester's closest associates.· Zhang Gong, both close associates of Yang Baibing, were appointed commander and political commissar, respectively.
· Most of the teaching was offered in small tutorial groups with close association between staff and students.· By its close association with women.· Forming a close association with them was ruled out.· That began a close association between the two, with the artist applying himself assiduously to the theories of his friend.· Coupled with his close association with medicine, it explains why he decided to follow the career of scientist and natural philosopher.· It shows the close association that can exist between organic chemical synthesis and clay surfaces.· The close association with the university teaching programs which prepare future teachers of exceptional children. 2.
· Pay close attention to the sweep pattern and strokes, and this will eventually become second nature.· The result of such close attention being paid to community is a growing sense of responsibility on the part of the students.· In later chapters we shall give this aspect of the book closer attention.· But agents paid closer attention than they did before and watched for reactions.· The former Prime Minister watched the results with close attention.· They eschewed grand schemes of schematic explanation, preferring empirical explorations of the particular, with close attention to analyzing function.· They certainly pay close attention to one another's progress, frequently glancing from side to side to check on each other's position.· He enters freely into public debate from his close attention to most subjects, but he is no Orator.
· Sydney's closest call operating out of Rendcomb was in a Brisfit shortly after his arrival.· This was surely a close call!· If you are a Swindon fan, you're bias of course, but it was a close call.· Afterward, when he came down for his evening meal, we talked about the close call.· But it had been a close call.· You can only have so many close calls for your luck to run out.· He left the ground via a close call with an ambulance and came very close to running over your correspondent.· Two days before, there had been a close call.
· This suggests again the close connection between property regulations and marriage patterns.· It simply establishes a much closer connection between the process of socialization and its symbolic consequences.· And there is a particularly close connection in the case we are considering.· Domestic drama had a close connection with the growing spirit of dissatisfaction with existing social, economic, religious and political conditions.· Campaigners boosted the impact of their warnings by drawing a close connection between the fly and the home.· There is a close connection between the learning process and the development of a thinking, reasoning self.· Because of its close connection with metaphor, simile may also be considered here.· During the recent years after the war the university rose in national importance and always had a close connection with the bishop.
· Behavior is a discouraging field because we are in such close contact with it.· First, the concept of advisory reduces school size by putting students in close contact with a single faculty member.· The churches themselves began reorganizing their affairs, often removing those officials who had close contact with the previous regime.· Children must operate for the first time in close contact with individuals to whom they are not related.· In addition, some packaging which comes into close contact with food has implications on human health and quality of food.· By maintaining close contact with produce companies, Fahey secures the freshest ingredients for his menu.· It has been a privilege to enjoy close contact with the College and so many Somervillians.· There was also continuing close contact between Eadwine's court and that of Eadbald, king of Kent.
· With his death the close cooperation between these two organisations, initiated by Ayliffe and William McDougall, came to an end.· Even so, a spirit of close cooperation and bonhomie was generated, contributing much to the success of the Workshop.· We must all work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service for our clients.· Finally, we emphasise that close cooperation between microbiologists and clinicians is important.· All parents are made to feel welcome as we fully appreciate the value of close cooperation between home and School.· To many, the postwar economic problems of the continent demanded a substantial element of very close cooperation.· She hoped that the two countries would develop a better relationship and undertake closer cooperation.· The organisation of this has only been possible with the close cooperation and support of District Managers, and their designated staff.
· The designer's close encounter of severe illness had a profound influence on his scheme.· Retired Willcox schoolteacher Joe Duhon has had several close encounters with the Playa, but he keeps going back.· The pain is severe and no predator would risk a second close encounter with these snakes.· We also shared a cou-ple of close encounters with danger.· In a close encounter last season, Gloucester pipped Northampton by 7 points to 6.· I've twice had close encounters of a nasty kind with flying lead.· Desert Orchid and a close encounter of the short kind.· For those unexpected close encounters, breath refresher capsules can be a real life-saver.
· The imp of hell appeared on closer examination to be a neglected child.· But on closer examination, they reflect the 2560-15 percent breakdown.· The analysis involves close examination of a sample of markets in which significant entry has occurred.· But close examination showed that species intolerant of acid conditions or high nitrogen levels were not reappearing.· First, some challenges, although important and pressing, turn out on closer examination to be neither new nor different.· At a distance many species look similar and only closer examination reveals the difference.· But although this is at first appealing, on closer examination the concept is somewhat flawed.
· Maybe the DOS-based Personal Finance Planner will help us keep a closer eye on those disappearing thousands.· To be sure, investors should keep a close eye on indicators of problem loans, analysts said.· You do need to keep a closer eye on suppliers when you're buying more equipment in a single purchase.· Naturally we kept a close eye on our two new masts to see if they would make any difference.· I assure the Minister that we shall keep a close eye on these sales.· Republicans will keep a close eye on funding for education and training.· There were not so many lights and Endill kept a close eye on the Headmaster in case he became lost in the darkness.· Still, keep a close eye on those Netkids.
· Having himself come from a close family he did not at first regard his wife's involvement with Chloe as unusual.· Limits are placed on phone calls and visits with close family members.· Most likely there will be some one in the close family or a reliable friend.· Only close family members attended the service, some of whom say that his body showed signs of torture.· Do you play better in front of close family?· She had no close family nearby.· Another 25 percent of abusers were close family relatives such as brothers, uncles and grandfathers.· The groom and his close family took their places, cross-legged, on the matting beside the trunk of wedding gifts.
· He was quite fearless ... he was an inspiration ... he was my closest friend, my strength and shield.· Leckie, a close friend of Symington, may know the details.· He soon became a close friend of my parents and was later godfather to my brother Brian.· Joe, on the other hand, was a close friend of Jack Kennedy, and an even closer friend of Jackie.· But her closest friends remained those she had made in the Hollywood and New York film worlds.· It contained a note from Dermot Kinane, an ex-jockey who had been a close friend of the family in Ireland.· He was hired for these qualities and also because his father-in-law is a real estate expert and a close friend.
· Likewise, close friendships sometimes alter when one friend retires - and not the other.· Rosen has worked politically for Kennedy since his 1980 presidential primary run and developed a close friendship with the senator.· Learning to play with other children and to form close friendships with some of them is a vital part of growing up.· Moses, 24, has a close friendship with Keim, 17, who won her first national title.· Eline envied the close friendship the two so obviously enjoyed.· But now Joe was more presentable, and he formed a close friendship with both Katharine and Phil Graham.· Diana's close friendship with the bachelor was revealed in sensational tapes published this summer.· Joe and Chip became acquainted through club functions and developed a close friendship.
· Even apparent moves by the regime to resolve the crisis turn out on closer inspection to be nothing of the kind.· On close inspection, the unpleasant truths an organization is afraid to tell often turn out to be not all that abhorrent.· These skills have the effect of laying children open to closer inspection and increase their vulnerability through peer appraisal and criticism.· A close inspection reveals that in a past life they were oxygen tanks.· On closer inspection, in fact, the evidence tilts further towards the reassuring.· On close inspection it looks more like the second touring production of Absurd Person Singular after a long spell in Pitlochry.· Executives sometimes find that, on close inspection, the complaints made against them are misconceived.· On closer inspection, however, the Middleborough mosaic does reveal some inconsistencies.
· Jane Madders, the author, has had close links with the Medau Society.· The goal of all Catholic schools must be to build close links with both partners.· With improved personal relationships, however, steps have been taken in the last few years towards closer links.· He is exploring closer links with Diocesan and other denominational youth bodies which overlap in their aims.· Mr Shirley reckons that the greatest of these will be developing closer links with customers.· There were close links between the alchemists and the gnostics, and for the gnostics the picture was bleaker still.· Six priests took part in the Mass all of whom had had close links with him during his ministry.· This strategy has produced the following results: The college now has close links with 65 institutions across 16 countries.
· It might be out of bounds, but the temptation to take a slightly closer look was a temptation she could not resist.· A closer look reveals a galaxy of gossamer threads that reach out to anchor the organism to rocks or other surfaces.· I cautiously take a closer look.· And like complete idiots, we yearned for a close look.· Get it out and take a close look at it.· Later, we take a close look at the city of Edinburgh and the local scenery.· A close look at the points listed in Table 4.1 will show the level of confusion operating.
· Its small form factor allows two computers, in close proximity, to double up on the 10BaseT hub.· But Pam absorbed more than the luxuries of life from her close proximity to men in power.· Anyone can enter paintings in any style, and the lucky winners get hung, in rather close proximity, and sold.· Bormann followed the simple principle of always remaining in the closest proximity to the source of all grace and favor.· Organizational structure was driven by the necessity of having skilled negotiators in close proximity.· Locked in the cell of himself, each specialist sees only that which lies within his close proximity.· Persinger has suggested that these reports might be hallucinations instilled into the witnesses by the effect of ionising radiation in close proximity.· Stretching plus folding lead to mixing by distancing neighboring points and bringing distant points into close proximity.
· David Byrne fired in a cross from the right and Grant shrugged off Richard Gough to shoot home from close range.· Fornek got a second chance at close range as Gingrich was leaving the luncheon.· The big defender's low drive from close range was blocked and then cleared by the alert Severin.· This resonant condition permitted Mariner 10 to fly by Mercury at close range at the times of alternate perihelion passages.· They were at it again within two minutes of the restart, as Shaun Bartlett fired over from close range.· And Murdoch was again Thistle's hero when he blocked a close range shot from Trevor Steven.· Speak made it 3-2 for Ballymena Utd in the second minute of injury time with a goal from close range.· The cause of death was a shotgun blast at close range, and police are now investigating the illegal killing.
· Much safer to stick to one's close relations.· Social systems evolve in close relation to ecology.· Children's own free play is not in itself drama, although it's a close relation.· She said she had no close relations to bother about on her husband's side and only the Evans on hers.· He was, however, a pragmatist and a realist who favoured close relations with the United States.· Because the government abandoned any formal incomes policy there was less call for it to maintain close relations with union leaders.· A similarly close relation ship may be seen between ivory and some of the most important precious stones used in antiquity.· Equally, the state has helped to maintain the structure of capital markets which promote closer relations between financial and industrial capital.
· If so, the purr helps to establish and maintain a close relationship.· The close relationship maintained by the consultant in instructional media use with the classroom teacher. 2.· They also provide circumstantial evidence for a close relationship between mind and brain.· This is the main reason politicians have few close relationships of any kind.· Some women who have always had a career only get to think about the need for closer relationships after that finishes.· What the Bank wanted was a closer relationship with banks' auditors.· Intuitively, there is thus a close relationship between the behaviour of a process and those of its finite syntactic approximations.· The variety of close relationships with which people end their lives should be acknowledged.
· People wishing to emigrate would no longer need to prove that they had close relatives in the destination country.· Even our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, are guilty.· Very few doctors will resist constant requests for this from close relatives.· All of its close relatives except one make the whine but not the chuck.· The caller asks if she can be informed as gently as possible that a very close relative has died.· One woman told me of a particular year in which seven close relatives died.· It had been established as a close relative of adrenaline, named noradrenaline, late in the 1940s.· She also said she would try to communicate more openly with her close relatives and friends.
· Just warn your friend Martin to be extra careful, because everything he does is under close scrutiny.· Federal Trade Commission officials would not comment on the deal, but are expected by industry experts to give it close scrutiny.· I had a feeling that his logic would not bear close scrutiny but was too numb to argue with the ancient greenkeeper.· True, most of these beliefs contain grains of truth, but their omnipotent power does not survive close scrutiny.· Other popular myths also fail to withstand close scrutiny.· She said the elections department is under close scrutiny now.· From close scrutiny, it soon emerges that they all have several features in common.· Nelson's detailed account is well worth close scrutiny for it illustrates many aspects of socio-ecology most cogently.
· He is one of nine players given winter contracts designed to prevent them seeking employment elsewhere during the close season.· Last close season one of the small drains that I fish ran very clear.· During the close season in 1990 the unthinkable happened.· During the close season in 1974 a dry moat had been constructed and new barriers installed.· Sheffield-born left-back Beresford came close to becoming a Liverpool player during the close season - until the Anfield side pulled out.· Weekends we're usually booked up in advance, you see, even in the close season.· And there will be no close seasons!
· Acid House comes a close second to football fans in the tabloids' top ten of moral panics.· Business is a close second in its neglect of children, leaving workers without sufficient family time.· Put to the test, we suspect the anti-bat vote would be a close second to the anti-rat faction.· An irresistible attraction to destructive men ran a close second.· Sea bream, with shallot and red wine sauce, comes a close second in the restaurant.· Etzioni and Ward a close second and Nisbet and Fontana less promising in these selected books by them.· His hero is Jefferson, but the reporters always imagined that George Gallup ran a close second.
· At Anfield last Saturday they made the final curtain safely, but it was a close thing.· He was the closest thing to underage.· It is the closest thing to a real arm available in medical science.· The closest thing to it in Beavis and Butthead is Tom Anderson, the old guy.· Fitt was the closest thing to a socialist in the party.· This incident is the closest thing to action that there is in this book.· Well to me, being on stage is the closest thing to actually making love, you know.· It was certainly the closest thing in our town to what I later learned was pentecostal worship.
· Glasgow had close ties of blood and interest with the Southern States of the Confederacy.· But administration officials and other sources now concede that Alispahic remains an influential figure with close ties to Izetbegovic.· The piece was purchased from the private collection of Ruth Blumka, a New York dealer with close ties to the museum.· Some freeholders were just as keen as was the average burgh councillor to retain close ties with the government ministers.· We view skin-to-skin care as a major advance in helping parents develop a closer tie to their infant.
· Sherfey thinks women need to be in closer touch with their life purpose of caring for the species.· He had not kept in close touch with the performers who had danced in his first little group.· He told Parmenter he would stay in close touch with Guy Banister.· To monitor their responses we have kept in close touch with each family's health visitor.· He's in close touch with his employees, knowing many of them by their first names.· Fifty years ago they were in closer touch.· McGuinness is more hard-line than Adams and reckoned to be in closer touch with the mood of die-hard republicans.
· I've had a fairly close watch kept on me.· If not, why should Lalla Faqiha have kept such close watch on me and beaten me with such vindictiveness?· Neurosurgeons have successfully moved a blood clot from her brain and are keeping a close watch on her.· The inspector kept close watch of their arms and equipments and clothing.· They tend, however, to keep a closer watch on discharges which are potentially highly polluting or large in volume.· As mentioned earlier, there are alternatives for those keeping a close watch on their cholesterol.· Bastide had been released grudgingly by the Sûreté with Chesnais insisting that a close watch be kept on him.· Fortunately Scott was reasonably obedient as long as some one kept a close watch over him.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► close/you’re close/that’s close► close to the bone► close, but no cigar► close vowelPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close to the bone► play/keep your cards close to your chest► can do something with your eyes shut/closed► (hard/hot/close) on somebody’s heels► move in/close in for the kill► close to the mark► deep-set/wide-set/close-set eyes► shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
- All of its close relatives except one make the whine but not the chuck.
- Because the government abandoned any formal incomes policy there was less call for it to maintain close relations with union leaders.
- Because, they argued, the males in coalitions were almost always close relatives, kin selection enhanced the benefits of cooperation.
- But they are thinking about commercial applications for the chanterelle and its close relative, the Tricholoma matsutake.
- Financial need, even on the part of a close relative, has apparently never been seen as a situation which required an automatic response.
- It may also be powerful between close relatives where one may be in a dominant position vis-à-vis the other.
- The people who had saved my life were my close relations!
- We let grandparents and other close relatives and friends enter and touch the infant, if the parents wish.
- Even after Charles married Princess Diana he kept in close contact with Camilla.
- He had not kept in close touch with the performers who had danced in his first little group.
- I am keen to keep in close touch with you on this subject.
- I take that point and we are keeping in close contact with local authorities.
- I urge my hon. Friend to keep in close touch to make sure that response times are up to the charter.
- In practice, I keep in close touch with the work of the foundation.
- The Society is keeping in close touch with the appropriate authority and full information will be published as soon as possible.
- To monitor their responses we have kept in close touch with each family's health visitor.
- That car that came around the corner was just a little too close for comfort.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- And interestingly, the pictures these two picked are close to home.
- Even closer to home is the enchanting beauty of the Craigendarroch Country Estate.
- For a third it might be a school close to home.
- It is important, however, to have a source of money close to home.
- Local artisans, working close to home, often met the essential needs of the nearby population.
- She says it was too close to home and it could easily have been them.
- Some commute long distances while others work close to home.
- Yet familiarity may be blinding us to equal intelligence expressed by animals far closer to home.
- From our hiding place we were able to observe the animals at close quarters.
- This was the first time I had seen such poverty at close quarters.
- As the family kept vigil, the children saw at close quarters the stubborn determination of their stepmother.
- At close quarters a rifle is almost useless.
- Harry and I were tall and strong, not easy to attack at close quarters.
- He wishes to inspect at close quarters all the actors in this drama.
- I had seen it happen at close quarters because I am his caddie.
- The battle continued at close quarters.
- The girl must have been, as Martha had said, stagestruck: she had wanted to see Désirée at close quarters.
- There tactics were strongly influenced by reliance on line formation and fire-power, as against attack at close quarters.
- Mike's had three car accidents, plus a few other pretty close shaves.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- Embroidery is very close work.
- A final recommendation of the consultants was a radical attempt to forge a closer working relationship between the board and staff members.
- Before I had been there a month my eyes began to suffer and I had to start wearing glasses for close work.
- He and Clinton have formed such a close working partnership that Kemp, as vice president, would like to emulate Gore.
- Microscopes can only be used for close work, telescopes for viewing objects from arm's length distance to infinity.
- One benefit, he said, is the closer working relationship between defense contractors and the Navy.
- Task lighting usually entails higher levels of illumination needed for reading and other close work.
- But your own past can be a closed book, even at fourteen.
- He is holding a closed book, signifying a mystery, possibly a stage in the alchemical process.
- I can not believe that it can be right that this late in the game Poetry is still a closed book.
- I tell myself it's a closed book, but my cover story becomes an old man's compensation.
- Linear preoccupation in the past remains a closed book to modern understanding.
- The highly organised St Stephen's Society programme which she now leads was at that time a closed book to her!
- The kitchenette is a closed book.
- The Shoah will never be a closed book.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- A loss in this election will not necessarily close the door on the campaign.
- Come in, lads, come in and shut the door on the fog.
- Even so, Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility.
- Imagine asking that they close the door on me so I can see what it feels like.
- It watched her, unwinking, until she reached the room behind the shop and shut the door on its crimson gaze.
- Lucker murmurs something to Jasper and leads him away closing the door on me.
- She closed the door on them.
- The previous owner had used a bathroom off one of the bedrooms as storage and simply closed the door on it.
- As the habeas hearing drew near, Lancaster County officials' concern over these revelations grew noticeable.
- As the pair drew near he turned and fled.
- As the race drew closer it was time for Paul to take a back seat.
- As we drew near and I watched 747 after 747 climbing laboriously into the clouds, I wondered what fate befell me.
- Men prosper for a decade, and demons dare not draw near!
- The bailiff directed all to draw near and give their attendance, promising that they would be heard.
- They drew near the bed and stared down at the boy who lay there sleeping in its drifts of tumbling lace.
- Two young boys, of around ten years of age, drawing closer, then parallel, now swiftly passing, past.
- As the decade drew to a close, it was evident that consumers were fed up.
- As the General's visit ended, the competition drew to a close.
- As the singing draws to a close, the cousins urge her to make a wish.
- But Enterprise Neptune has not drawn to an end with the successful completion of its Silver Jubilee year.
- He used to long for his holidays and grow deeply depressed when they drew to an end.
- The last of the wine is poured; the meal draws to a close.
- The long gray afternoon drew to a close.
- The year 1968 drew to a close and with it the life of Londonderry Corporation.
- At first, I closed my ears to what I did not want to hear.
- Claudia sank down on to her bed and tried to shut her ears to the sound of him in the next room.
- Don't close your ears to the world and don't give up.
- He tried to close his ears to the plea.
- Rincewind tried to shut his ears to the grating voice beside him.
- She heard the boys hurling abuse at her, shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.
- She wanted to close her ears to it.
- Sometimes she even managed to shut her ears to the arguments going on around her.
- We can't close our eyes to the fact that our town has a gang problem.
- I've closed my eyes to your activities long enough.
- If we must sometimes close our eyes to open them in the myth dimension, so be it.
- On a sob Ruth swallowed hard and closed her eyes to the burning sun overhead.
- On the other hand the very same development increases their tendency to close their eyes to the future.
- Prayer May we never become so worldly that we close our eyes to the miracle and mystery of life.
- The need to push came again, and Jane closed her eyes to concentrate.
- They could not shut their eyes to the ugly and degrading side of wine-drinking and see only the delightful side.
- Turning off the light, she slid back under the covers and closed her eyes to sleep fitfully until noon.
- His latest challenge is on a smaller scale, but it's much closer to his heart.
- I hold you near, close to my heart, There's so much for me to give, Where to begin?
- It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.
- One subject is obviously dear to Schofield's heart - the captaincy of Great Britain and Leeds.
- Other songs: Include Stainsby Girls, inspired by a Middlesbrough school close to his heart.
- The electrification of the network, a topic close to Lenin's heart, was discussed in the pages of Gudok.
- The President would go to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place close to his heart.
- Critique followed hot on the heels of this pioneering work.
- On the heels of this came Mr J. to tell us that young Mrs P. had had her thighbone crushed.
- Then it seemed that the consummation would follow soon on the heels of its inauguration.
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- They had quite a reputation for sailing close to the wind.
- With his own property, it was perhaps easier too for a baron to take risks or sail close to the wind.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- He keeps tabs on everyone in the building.
- A psychologist will keep tabs on teams of youngsters and will stop the operation if they show signs of stress.
- About the world Lenny Wilkens has been keeping tabs on world events, and one thing is clear.
- Although so little was heard from them, those who kept tabs on them were convinced that they were slowly fading away.
- Anne Dickson, a local politician, said people had been keeping tabs on Hamilton for years.
- But trappers will keep tabs on the extra traps until February, officials said.
- If she asked, he would accuse her of nagging, of wanting to keep tabs on him.
- They patrol land and keep tabs on the gangs after tip offs from gamekeepers and farmers.
- We try to keep close tabs on our boys in blue.
- The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.
- The main street in Lincoln is narrow, and the little houses are close together.
- These horses show relaxed, peaceful outlines, with friends standing particularly close together.
- They stood close together in silence, listening.
- Though they are close together on the couch, there is in fact a chasm between them.
- We draw close together to complete our plans.
WORD FAMILYadverbclosecloselynounclosenessadjectivecloseverbclose
1near not far from someone or something SYN near: If you need to buy bread or milk, the closest shop is about a mile away.close to Susan sat on a chair close to the window. I don’t mind where we go on vacation as long as it’s close to a beach. His eyes were small and close together. There are several accounts of dolphins living in close proximity to humans (=close to humans). The victim had been shot at close range (=from very close).2near in time near to something in timeclose to It was close to 1:15 a.m.close together Our birthdays are quite close together.3likely to happen seeming very likely to happen or very likely to do something soonclose to doing something The two countries are close to signing a peace agreement. We’re close to clinching the deal.close to death/tears/despair etc The old dog could barely whimper and seemed close to death. The prosecution’s main witness was close to tears as she described the assault.4like/love if two people are close, they like or love each other very much: My brother and I are very close.close to I felt closer to Rob that evening than ever before. Fiona and I have always been close friends.5similar very similar to each otherclose to When I saw Henry with another woman I felt something close to jealousy. Fitt was the closest thing to a socialist in the party. Their newest model bears a close resemblance to (=is very similar to) that of their rival competitor.► see thesaurus at similar6careful [usually before noun] looking at, thinking about, or watching something very carefullytake/have/get a close look (at something) She lifted up Jenny’s silver medallion to take a closer look.keep a close watch/eye on (=watch someone or something very carefully) Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close eye on the kids. You could have improved your answers by closer attention to detail.7number/amount if a number or amount is close to another number or amount, it is not much higher or lower than it: We don’t know the exact figures, but about 10,000 might be a close approximation (=close to the actual figure).close to Inflation is close to 7 percent.8competition/election etc finishing or being played, fought etc with both sides almost equal: It was a close game that could have gone either way.a close second/third etc (=very nearly first, second etc) The result is too close to call (=so close that it is impossible to know who will win).9close relation/relative a member of your family such as your brother, sister, parent etc OPP distant: The wedding was attended by close family only.10very nearly bad used when you have only just managed to avoid something bad, dangerous, or embarrassing happening: ‘Phew, that was close,’ Frank said as he swerved to avoid the cyclist.a close call/thing/shave (=a situation in which something dangerous, embarrassing etc almost happens) United had a close shave when Liverpool almost scored.11almost very nearly getting, finding, or achieving somethingclose to At this point, the investigators were closer to the truth than they realized.12keep in close contact/touch if two people keep in close contact, they see, talk to, or write to each other often: Text messaging enables people to keep in close contact at all times.13work/talk together relating to a situation in which people work well with each other or talk to each other often: He retained very close links with France throughout his life. What we need now is closer cooperation between the club and supporters.14with little space with little or no space around something or between things: The horses are always eager for exercise after the close confinement of the stables. The shoe is a close fit (=there is no space around the foot). I find it difficult to read such close print (=with letters printed so close together).15close/you’re close/that’s close spoken used to tell someone that they have almost guessed or answered something correctly: ‘I reckon he must be about 38.’ ‘Close – he was 40 last week.’16close to the bone if something someone says is close to the bone, it makes you feel uncomfortable or offends you, especially because it is about something you do not want to admit is true17close, but no cigar spoken used when something someone does or says is almost correct or successful: It was close, but no cigar for the Dodgers as they lost to the Reds 4–3.18too close for comfort if something that happens is too close for comfort, it is near enough to make you feel nervous or afraid: From somewhere too close for comfort came the sound of machine-gun fire.19close to home a)if a remark or criticism is close to home, it makes you feel uncomfortable because it is likely to be true: His comments struck unpleasantly close to home. b)if something unpleasant happens close to home, you are directly affected by it: It’s one thing seeing riots on TV, but when they happen so close to home it’s a different matter.20at close quarters if something happens or is done at close quarters, it happens inside a small space or is done from a short distance away: The troops had been fighting at close quarters.21weather British English uncomfortably warm because there seems to be no air: The weather that night was hot and close, with a hint of thunder in the distance.22unwilling to talk about something [not before noun] unwilling to tell people about something SYN secretiveclose about You’re very close about your work, aren’t you?23unwilling to spend money [not before noun] not generousclose with You won’t get a penny out of Jack – he’s very close with his money.24a close shave when the hair on someone’s face is cut very close to the skin25close work work that involves looking at or handling things in a very skilful, detailed, and careful way: After years of close work, she could hardly see a thing if it was over a yard away.26close vowel technical a close vowel is pronounced with only a small space between the tongue and the top of the mouth—closeness noun [uncountable]: She had never had the physical or emotional closeness that she needed. → play your cards close to your chest at card1(14)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 6phrasestake/get a close look· She moved forward to take a close look at the painting.keep a close eye/watch on somebody/something (=watch someone or something carefully)· They have to keep a close eye on their finances.nounsa close examination· A closer examination of the facts soon solved the mystery.a close study· Their research involved a close study of two communities.close attention· You will lose weight if you combine exercise with close attention to your diet.close scrutiny (=careful and thorough examination of someone or something)· The investigation included close scrutiny of the images on CCTV.close inspection (=looking at someone or something in detail)· Closer inspection revealed that the rocks were from an earlier period.close supervision (=constantly making sure that someone does things in the correct way)· Initially there will be close supervision of the trainee.close1 verbclose2 adjectiveclose3 adverbclose4 nounclose5 noun
closeclose3 /kləʊs $ kloʊs/ ●●● S2 W2 adverb EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- She was holding her baby close.
- The police questioned him closely about his involvement in the robbery.
- Close by a couple were kissing, holding each other close to ward off the cold wind that had sprung up.
- Anyone who works close to the darker side of human nature can not help taking on board some of the pain.
- For that, you would sit behind the basket, seeing half the game up close.
- Living close to overhead electric power lines causes health hazards.
- There were close to a hundred.
THESAURUS
only a short distance from something or someone: · I live near Salzburg in Austria.· If we moved to Dallas, we’d be near my parents.
very near something or someone, or almost touching them: · The hotel is close to the beach.· Nancy came and sat close beside me on the bed.
not a long distance away – used when saying that a place is near enough to be easy to get to: · The station’s not far away from here.
near here or near a particular place: · Is there a post office nearby?· A group of reporters were waiting nearby.
easy to walk to from somewhere, or near enough to something for you to walk there: · There’s a good school within walking distance.· The house is within walking distance of shopping facilities.
British English, be convenient to something American English to be near a place that people want to get to, so that the place is easy to reach: · The area is very convenient for Gatwick airport.· I want a hotel that’s convenient for the city centre.
in or near the area where you are or the area you are talking about: · I prefer to buy fruit and vegetables that are grown locally.
(also round here British English) spoken in the general area near here: · Parking is impossible around here.· Is there a garage round here?
British English, in the neighborhood American English living or existing in the area where you are or the area you are talking about: · We grew up knowing all the other kids in the neighbourhood.· There’s very little crime in the neighborhood.
formal in the area around and near a particular place – used especially in news reports: · A white van was seen in the vicinity at the time the murder took place.
British English, neighboring American English used about towns, countries etc that are very near a particular place: · discussions between Egypt and neighbouring states· The rioting quickly spread to neighbouring areas.
Longman Language Activatorto stay very near to someone or something: stay close/keep close to · While the eggs are hatching the mother bird stays close to the nest.stay close/keep close together · Once we're inside the cave, we must all keep close together. We don't want anyone to get lost.
if someone, especially a child, clings to you, they stay close to you all the time, especially because they lack confidence and depend on you too much: · It's quite common for a child to cling to his or her mother on the first day at school.· One of the girls was clinging to me all night at the disco. I just couldn't get rid of her.
to stay very close to the edge or surface of something, especially while moving along it: · The new road will stretch from Barcelona to the Adriatic, hugging the Mediterranean coast.· A row of tiny feeding fish were hugging the rock surface where I stood.· After Dunseverik, the path hugs the clifftop near Brebane Head.
near enough to see or hear clearly very near, especially so that you can see something clearly: · If you look at the painting close up you can see that it's a fake.close up to: · Dragging a chair close up to the television screen, she sat down to watch the film.
if you see or experience something at close quarters , often something dangerous or frightening, you are closer to it than usual, especially so that you can see it clearly: · From our hiding place we were able to observe the animals at close quarters.· This was the first time I had seen such poverty at close quarters.
very near someone or something, especially after you have only seen them from a distance: come/get/go/move etc up close: · Brigit looked great from a distance, but when she came up close you could see that she wore a lot of make-up.· "All you have to do is to get up close," Woolley said, " and shoot straight."
a photograph taken from very near: · She brought the camera forward to get a close-up of the actor's face.in close-up (=from very near): · Each butterfly had been photographed in close-up so that you could see every detail.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Her father lives quite close by. They were sitting close together on the couch. A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). James heard footsteps close behind him. Ronnie sped off, with his brother’s car following close behind. We must all stay close. Yet another scandal followed close on the heels of the senator’s resignation.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies. his close association with the Green Party He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind. a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. the close link between teacher and student Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other). a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully) I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns. We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.
Her father lives quite close by. They were sitting close together on the couch. A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). James heard footsteps close behind him. Ronnie sped off, with his brother’s car following close behind. We must all stay close. (=hold someone against your body) He drew her close to him.
He drew her close to him. Yet another scandal followed close on the heels of the senator’s resignation. (=have almost reached an agreement)· Management and unions are close to an agreement about pay.
· He forged a strong alliance between his state and the church.
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.· Students learn to make a close analysis of the texts.
his close association with the Green Party· The customs officer opened my bag.
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.· A strong bond had developed between them.
(=prevent people from crossing)· The government moved quickly to close the border.
(=especially a meeting)· At last the meeting was brought to a close.
· He was writing his books towards the end of the 19th century.
(=at the beginning or end of a special event)· I stayed for the closing ceremony.
(=a careful one)· His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.
(=in which the people know each other very well)· He cultivated a close circle of musical acquaintances.
(=a close one)· His intimate circle was tiny.
(=not open to other people)· He didn’t have much experience of life beyond the closed circle of his family.
· The front door shut with a click.
a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. (=in which you are very near your opponent)· Swords and spears were used for close combat.
Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. (=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
· At school, we were close companions for several years.
(also somebody's nearest competitor British English) (=someone's main competitor)· He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.
· the close connection between maths and physics
(=in which people, groups etc discuss something carefully together)· The changes followed close consultation with government officials.
(=communicating with someone often)· I like to stay in close contact with my parents.
(=one which someone wins by a very small amount)· The race was a close contest between two evenly matched crews.
· We work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service.
(=a good copy)· It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.
· They found evidence of a high correlation between drinking and violence.
The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. (=close them)· The room was dark because the curtains were drawn.
The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. literary (=it becomes darker outside)· The rain turned to snow and darkness closed in.
(=the last day you can officially do something)· The closing date for applications is April 30th.
formal (=agree a deal formally)· A deal between the two companies has now been concluded.
· I opened the door and Dad was standing there.· Can you close the door as you go out?
· We were still waiting for the train doors to open.
· She shut the drawer and locked it with a small key.
a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something)· The corner store was the closest equivalent we had to a supermarket when I was young.
(=very careful and detailed)· A close examination of the figures revealed many discrepancies.
· On closer examination, I could see a slight crack in the window.
(=close together)· He had a small nose and close-set eyes.
· Joe closed his eyes and tried to get back to sleep.
· She let her eyes close for just a moment.
· The factory was closed down in 2006.
(=a family that spends a lot of time together and gives each other support)· Laura's family are very close.
· You may need to close the file and restart the computer.
(=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)
(=one of the friends you like the most)· She’s a good friend of mine.
· Ron had formed a close relationship with Andrea.
(=reduce the amount or importance of a difference)· The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.· The policies are designed to close the gap between rich and poor.
· Please close the gate.
(=in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support)· The young mothers in the village are a fairly close-knit group.
I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. the close link between teacher and student (=change something so that there is no longer a loophole)· The president is eager to close tax loopholes for foreign companies.
(=with each team playing equally well)· Germany won the match, although it was close.
(=end it)· He closed the meeting by saying, ‘I think we have made great progress.’
(=that only a few people are allowed to go to)· The senator attended a private meeting with the president.
· He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.
· A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.
· The two companies have built up a close partnership over the past four years.
Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other).· Most people were predicting a close race.
a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)· Many Japanese favor closer relations with the U.S.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· Many of her close relations live nearby.
· Laura had a very close relationship with her grandmother.
· The evidence points to a close relationship between poverty and disease.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· He lost several close relatives in the war.
· The vase bore a close resemblance to one owned by my mother.
(=the one that is closest to beating them)· She finished 7.1 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
· The mountain road was closed by snow.
(=very careful scrutiny)· Both these areas of law have come under close scrutiny by the courts.
· There was a close similarity between his and Smith's views on education.
· She was well cared for during the final stages of her life.
(=quickly one after the other) He fired two shots in quick succession.
He fired two shots in quick succession.· Children were allowed out only under close supervision.
(=be almost crying)· He could see that May was close to tears.
· He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.· The book comes a little too close to the truth for their liking.
· She shut the window firmly.
· All the windows were closed.
We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.· He changed his opinion during the last years of his life.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· No other female player has come close to her level.· Only once since 1987 has Karelin come close to losing.· He made telling first half stops and saw his forwards come close to securing three points.· He never came close to realizing his dream of winning the presidency.· And maybe the rest of the gang wouldn't have got burned out if she hadn't come close before.· Many observers say that if the leadership election were held now, Redwood could topple Major or at least come close.· Even without the view, the decor doesn't come close.· He can come close, perhaps, but the closer he comes, the greater the risk of slippage.
· As he drew close to the hut, a sense of dread took hold of him.· As I drew close they both bolted, crashing loudly through the alder thicket.· Maggie is drawing close to the bar.· Fishermen in their trawlers draw close to the straw vessels and throw candy, fruit, and other treats to the children.· At the foot of the ramp's slope, a private ambulance was drawn close to a side wall.· A small sailboat draws close and Captains Peleg and Bildad, both old sea salts, reluctantly leave.· As they drew close to the outskirts of Chichester itself rain clouds were gathering.· Barbara, most of the time, sat on a hard wooden chair drawn close.
· Whenever he drifts toward sleep he feels close to distinguishing the words.· Then ask her if she feels close enough to you to try it-that should do the trick.· Instead he fought for an essentially spiritual satisfaction-because it made him feel close to some universal force.· Funny thing, I felt close to Connie, yet I'd never laid eyes on her.· Feel close to people in power?· Pamela had never felt close to him.· The twins felt close to their uncle.
· Walking offers wonderful opportunities to get close to wildlife.· Terry hated him; she said he hung around with her brother in order to get close to her.· When it got close enough to radio a request for National Lottery cash.· Every time I get close to some one, off they go.· I had to get close to them.· Get close and fill the frame.· If vets can get close enough, they could test the animal for rabies.· They, too, are getting close to the time when they start to build their nests.
· Notice how the compact legs are enabling the body to keep close to the board.· She also kept close to the progress of the research projects.· By keeping close to customers, we are better able to service their needs and we can keep ahead of industry trends.· Flight directors were keeping close tabs Tuesday on a frontal system in the Midwest.· He turned right, keeping close to the shops on his left, using them as a guide.· The exposure was a little frightening at first and instinctively he kept close to walls.· At first they kept close to the little river.
· The south-east lay close to Macedon, across the Adriatic Sea.· We lay close together, and Jasper produced from a pocket a thin silver flask.· Susan's arm lay close to her head.· It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.· She would not wake him or touch him or even lie close enough to feel his warmth.· Rodomonte picked up a football sized rock that lay close to the entrance, and passed through.· Alpha Herculis, or Rasalgethi, lies close to Alpha Ophiuchi, rather divorced from the rest of the constellation.
· In those days captains of industry were not ashamed to live close to the source of their wealth.· They live close to the concrete.· Geography will be irrelevant, and people on opposite sides may be living close to each other.· He lived close to the victim.· Some of the best-loved boxers who ever lived close to Aldgate Pump were crammed into the bars.· People who lived close to a busy airport were interviewed regarding their sleep quality.· Born in Kent, she now lives close to Sunderland with her T.V. producer husband and their 8 year old daughter.
· Most of the Official Unionist members at Westminster had remained close to the Faulknerites.· But he remained close to Norvo and Bailey.· They have remained close to the latter level ever since.· His folks never wed, but did remain close, even as both went on to marriages and divorces with other partners.· From 1254 onwards, while remaining close to Simon, Peter's career also developed independently.· In most societies women travel to live with their husbands, whereas men tend to remain close to their relatives.· When m 0.6, the input resistance remains close to for frequencies up to 85% of the critical frequency.· Amelia remained close to her parents and her sister through the summers spent in Kansas City.
· The market is also highly sensitive because trading volumes are running close to 10-year lows.· Cardiff residents have complained that the nearby bluffs are too fragile to withstand the pounding of more trains running close by.· It looks like a two-minute painting: four dull green brushstrokes run close to the painting's edge, reiterating the rectangle.· The application still ran close to the user to give a crisp look and feel.
· The range fire was glowing, hot enough to roast anyone who stood close to it.· Here is a great tree, standing close to the ditch.· They stood close to the door, the boy a pace behind the official.· Looking pleased but shy, we stand close to each other next to Mother in the iron lung.· Roman was standing close to her, so close that she could feel the warmth from his body.· Give a different student the saucepan and the spoon and ask her to stand close to the bowl without touching it.· The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.· They watched how he was forced to let Paul manage the navigation as he stood close by.
· Pyjamas seems afraid of them: he stays close to the wall.· I wanted to stay close to home and go to a good academic school.· I couldn't stay close to whatever it was in him that liked it so much.· The trick to that is staying close enough to see their instrument lights.· Feminist psychologies which work by association, stay close enough to psychology's concerns to be able to contest them.· I tend to stay close to people who can tell me things I like knowing.· His daughter stayed close to me to make sure that nobody hurt me.· That was another good reason to stay close to home and in your own neighborhood-town and ethnic state.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► run somebody close► close up/up close/close toPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close to the bone► play/keep your cards close to your chest► can do something with your eyes shut/closed► (hard/hot/close) on somebody’s heels► move in/close in for the kill► close to the mark► deep-set/wide-set/close-set eyes► shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Cardinal Agagianian brought the debate to a sudden close on 30 October to forestall further public discussion outside the Council.
- A loose end, Kirov reminded himself as he came close to the man.
- A visit to the ancient ruins, especially on a quiet weekday, comes close to a religious experience.
- And this night, he comes close to getting seriously injured.
- Even La Scala, where an opening-night stall seat goes for £500, rarely comes close to breaking even.
- He can come close, perhaps, but the closer he comes, the greater the risk of slippage.
- Her horse came close and watched her.
- Later Mr O'Malley came close to confirming that his party would quit the coalition later this week.
- Miguel wanted to trust Firebug; he came close to letting everything spill out.
- Exciting Ormskirk made it two wins out of three but it was a close run thing against New Brighton.
- It was a close run thing.
- But your own past can be a closed book, even at fourteen.
- He is holding a closed book, signifying a mystery, possibly a stage in the alchemical process.
- I can not believe that it can be right that this late in the game Poetry is still a closed book.
- I tell myself it's a closed book, but my cover story becomes an old man's compensation.
- Linear preoccupation in the past remains a closed book to modern understanding.
- The highly organised St Stephen's Society programme which she now leads was at that time a closed book to her!
- The kitchenette is a closed book.
- The Shoah will never be a closed book.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- A loss in this election will not necessarily close the door on the campaign.
- Come in, lads, come in and shut the door on the fog.
- Even so, Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility.
- Imagine asking that they close the door on me so I can see what it feels like.
- It watched her, unwinking, until she reached the room behind the shop and shut the door on its crimson gaze.
- Lucker murmurs something to Jasper and leads him away closing the door on me.
- She closed the door on them.
- The previous owner had used a bathroom off one of the bedrooms as storage and simply closed the door on it.
- As the habeas hearing drew near, Lancaster County officials' concern over these revelations grew noticeable.
- As the pair drew near he turned and fled.
- As the race drew closer it was time for Paul to take a back seat.
- As we drew near and I watched 747 after 747 climbing laboriously into the clouds, I wondered what fate befell me.
- Men prosper for a decade, and demons dare not draw near!
- The bailiff directed all to draw near and give their attendance, promising that they would be heard.
- They drew near the bed and stared down at the boy who lay there sleeping in its drifts of tumbling lace.
- Two young boys, of around ten years of age, drawing closer, then parallel, now swiftly passing, past.
- As the decade drew to a close, it was evident that consumers were fed up.
- As the General's visit ended, the competition drew to a close.
- As the singing draws to a close, the cousins urge her to make a wish.
- But Enterprise Neptune has not drawn to an end with the successful completion of its Silver Jubilee year.
- He used to long for his holidays and grow deeply depressed when they drew to an end.
- The last of the wine is poured; the meal draws to a close.
- The long gray afternoon drew to a close.
- The year 1968 drew to a close and with it the life of Londonderry Corporation.
- At first, I closed my ears to what I did not want to hear.
- Claudia sank down on to her bed and tried to shut her ears to the sound of him in the next room.
- Don't close your ears to the world and don't give up.
- He tried to close his ears to the plea.
- Rincewind tried to shut his ears to the grating voice beside him.
- She heard the boys hurling abuse at her, shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.
- She wanted to close her ears to it.
- Sometimes she even managed to shut her ears to the arguments going on around her.
- We can't close our eyes to the fact that our town has a gang problem.
- I've closed my eyes to your activities long enough.
- If we must sometimes close our eyes to open them in the myth dimension, so be it.
- On a sob Ruth swallowed hard and closed her eyes to the burning sun overhead.
- On the other hand the very same development increases their tendency to close their eyes to the future.
- Prayer May we never become so worldly that we close our eyes to the miracle and mystery of life.
- The need to push came again, and Jane closed her eyes to concentrate.
- They could not shut their eyes to the ugly and degrading side of wine-drinking and see only the delightful side.
- Turning off the light, she slid back under the covers and closed her eyes to sleep fitfully until noon.
- His latest challenge is on a smaller scale, but it's much closer to his heart.
- I hold you near, close to my heart, There's so much for me to give, Where to begin?
- It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.
- One subject is obviously dear to Schofield's heart - the captaincy of Great Britain and Leeds.
- Other songs: Include Stainsby Girls, inspired by a Middlesbrough school close to his heart.
- The electrification of the network, a topic close to Lenin's heart, was discussed in the pages of Gudok.
- The President would go to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place close to his heart.
- Critique followed hot on the heels of this pioneering work.
- On the heels of this came Mr J. to tell us that young Mrs P. had had her thighbone crushed.
- Then it seemed that the consummation would follow soon on the heels of its inauguration.
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- They had quite a reputation for sailing close to the wind.
- With his own property, it was perhaps easier too for a baron to take risks or sail close to the wind.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- He keeps tabs on everyone in the building.
- A psychologist will keep tabs on teams of youngsters and will stop the operation if they show signs of stress.
- About the world Lenny Wilkens has been keeping tabs on world events, and one thing is clear.
- Although so little was heard from them, those who kept tabs on them were convinced that they were slowly fading away.
- Anne Dickson, a local politician, said people had been keeping tabs on Hamilton for years.
- But trappers will keep tabs on the extra traps until February, officials said.
- If she asked, he would accuse her of nagging, of wanting to keep tabs on him.
- They patrol land and keep tabs on the gangs after tip offs from gamekeepers and farmers.
- We try to keep close tabs on our boys in blue.
- The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.
- The main street in Lincoln is narrow, and the little houses are close together.
- These horses show relaxed, peaceful outlines, with friends standing particularly close together.
- They stood close together in silence, listening.
- Though they are close together on the couch, there is in fact a chasm between them.
- We draw close together to complete our plans.
WORD FAMILYadverbclosecloselynounclosenessadjectivecloseverbclose
1not far away SYN near: Come a little closer, so you can see better. Her father lives quite close by. They were sitting close together on the couch. A variety of good restaurants are close at hand (=very near). James heard footsteps close behind him. Ronnie sped off, with his brother’s car following close behind.stay/keep close We must all stay close.hold/draw somebody close (=hold someone against your body) He drew her close to him.► see thesaurus at near2close up/up close/close to from only a short distance away: Now that I could see him close up, I saw that he was very attractive.3close on something/close to something spoken used to talk about a number, amount etc that is almost exact, but not completely: a voyage of close on 2,000 miles4come close (to doing something) a)to almost do something: I tell you, I was so mad I came close to hitting her. She came so close to the finals she must have been bitterly disappointed to go out now. b)to be almost as good as someone or something else: It’s not as good as his last movie, but it comes pretty close.5a close run thing British English a situation in which the people competing with each other are almost equal, so neither of them is more likely to win than the other: The upcoming election looks likely to be a close run thing.6close on the heels of something very soon after something elsecome/follow close on the heels of something Yet another scandal followed close on the heels of the senator’s resignation.7near to the surface of something: An electric razor doesn’t really shave as close as a blade.8run somebody close British English to be almost as successful, skilful etc as someone else: Last season United ran them close both at home and away. → sail close to the wind at sail1(6)close1 verbclose2 adjectiveclose3 adverbclose4 nounclose5 noun
closeclose4 /kləʊz $ kloʊz/ ●○○ noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- At the close of trading on the stock market, Ciena shares were up to $37.
- Fran lives at 37 Appian Close.
- Several hours later, the meeting drew to a close and the board members filed out of the room.
- The beginning of April usually marks the close of the skiing season.
- Exactly when the Gingrich case will come to a close has become a matter of bitter dispute.
- I remember the close of each of those weekend nights as a prolonged farewell.
- John Champagne and Bob Guadiana grabbed their chance to lead the way as 1991 drew to a close.
- Since then, Service Corp. stock has zipped up from 44 to 47 at the close of trading last week.
THESAURUSActions when using a computer
to make a computer start working: · I’m having problems starting up my computer.
to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: · He logged on and read his emails.
to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: · When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.
to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: · All users should install anti-virus software.
to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: · You can download MP3 files.
to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: · Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.
to make a file or program ready to use: · Open a new file and type in the information.
to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: · Scroll down to read the questions and answers.
to type information into a computer: · The program requires you to enter a password.
to remove information from a computer: · I’ve deleted his email.· When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.
to remove information from one place and put it in another place: · Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.
to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: · Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.
to stop having a file or program ready to use: · To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: · I get an error message when I log off.
to make a computer stop working: · Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.
to make a computer start working again: · Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.
Longman Language Activatorto finish a performance, speech, meeting etc · When Sir George finished his speech there was a moment's silence.finish/end something by doing something · The priest ended the service by saying a short prayer.finish/end something with something · She ended her recital with an old French song.
to gradually end an event or activity such as a meeting, making sure that it finishes at the right time: · About 40 minutes after the interview starts, the interviewer will signal to you to start winding up.wind up something: · He was fired and the board would give him no more time to wind up his affairs.wind something up: · Mark wanted to wind the meeting up quickly because he had a plane to catch.
to formally finish a meeting, lesson, process etc: · The committee has brought to a close one of the longest-running Senate investigations ever.· Efforts must continue to bring the conflict to an end.
to formally or officially end a meeting, public event, speech etc by doing one final thing: conclude something with something: · This year, Muslims will conclude Ramadan with the usual festivities on April 15 or 16.conclude with: · He concluded with an appeal to everyone to support the campaign.conclude by doing something: · I'd like to conclude by thanking everyone who has worked so hard to make this conference possible.
to do something as a way of ending an event, performance etc in a suitable or satisfactory way: round off something: · To round off National Peace Week, a concert was organized in the park.round something off with something: · She served us a splendid dinner, rounded off with a marvellous orange mousse.· They rounded off the day with a barbecue at the beach.
to complete an event, performance, piece of work etc by doing one final thing that is necessary or suitable: · Please finish off now. The test will end in three minutes.· You can finish up the puzzle tomorrow morning. It's time for bed now.finish off/up something by doing something: · We finished off our vacation by spending two days in Santa Fe.finish off/up something with something: · Dan finished up his act with a joke about the Vice-President.
when a period of time ends · The school year ends in June.· Winter was finally ending, and the first flowers of spring had begun to appear.· The evening ended cordially with handshakes all round.
if a long period of time comes to an end , it ends: · Autumn came to an end with the first snow.· A generation of civil war had finally come to an end.
if a period of time is over , it has ended: · The long vacation was almost over, and she hadn't done any of the things she'd planned.· I think I'm going to lose my temper before this evening is over.
British if a school or the students in a school break up , a part of the school year ends and the holidays begin: · When does your school break up?· The kids break up on Wednesday.
to gradually come to an end - used especially in stories or descriptions: · The long hot summer was drawing to an end.· As the class drew to a close, Hanson asked a student to summarize the lesson.
if the time allowed for something is up , it is finished: · "Time's up,'' said the teacher. "Stop writing, everyone!''· The chairman may be asked to resign before his four-year term is up.
if the time available for doing something, especially something important, runs out , it comes to an end so that there is no more time left: · We'd almost finished solving the problem when our time ran out.· The desperate search for survivors continues, but time is running out.
spoken use this to tell someone to stop doing something because there is no more time allowed: · I'm sorry, listeners, we have to stop there. We're out of time.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY At the close of trade, the Dow Jones index was 1.92 points down. The monsoon season was drawing to a close (=ending). The event came to a close (=finished) with a disco. Finally the meeting was brought to a close (=ended).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies. his close association with the Green Party He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind. a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. the close link between teacher and student Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other). a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully) I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns. We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.
At the close of trade, the Dow Jones index was 1.92 points down. The monsoon season was drawing to a close (=ending). The event came to a close (=finished) with a disco. Finally the meeting was brought to a close (=ended). (=have almost reached an agreement)· Management and unions are close to an agreement about pay.
· He forged a strong alliance between his state and the church.
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.· Students learn to make a close analysis of the texts.
his close association with the Green Party· The customs officer opened my bag.
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.· A strong bond had developed between them.
(=prevent people from crossing)· The government moved quickly to close the border.
(=especially a meeting)· At last the meeting was brought to a close.
· He was writing his books towards the end of the 19th century.
(=at the beginning or end of a special event)· I stayed for the closing ceremony.
(=a careful one)· His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.
(=in which the people know each other very well)· He cultivated a close circle of musical acquaintances.
(=a close one)· His intimate circle was tiny.
(=not open to other people)· He didn’t have much experience of life beyond the closed circle of his family.
· The front door shut with a click.
a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. (=in which you are very near your opponent)· Swords and spears were used for close combat.
Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. (=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
· At school, we were close companions for several years.
(also somebody's nearest competitor British English) (=someone's main competitor)· He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.
· the close connection between maths and physics
(=in which people, groups etc discuss something carefully together)· The changes followed close consultation with government officials.
(=communicating with someone often)· I like to stay in close contact with my parents.
(=one which someone wins by a very small amount)· The race was a close contest between two evenly matched crews.
· We work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service.
(=a good copy)· It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.
· They found evidence of a high correlation between drinking and violence.
The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. (=close them)· The room was dark because the curtains were drawn.
The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. literary (=it becomes darker outside)· The rain turned to snow and darkness closed in.
(=the last day you can officially do something)· The closing date for applications is April 30th.
formal (=agree a deal formally)· A deal between the two companies has now been concluded.
· I opened the door and Dad was standing there.· Can you close the door as you go out?
· We were still waiting for the train doors to open.
· She shut the drawer and locked it with a small key.
a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something)· The corner store was the closest equivalent we had to a supermarket when I was young.
(=very careful and detailed)· A close examination of the figures revealed many discrepancies.
· On closer examination, I could see a slight crack in the window.
(=close together)· He had a small nose and close-set eyes.
· Joe closed his eyes and tried to get back to sleep.
· She let her eyes close for just a moment.
· The factory was closed down in 2006.
(=a family that spends a lot of time together and gives each other support)· Laura's family are very close.
· You may need to close the file and restart the computer.
(=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)
(=one of the friends you like the most)· She’s a good friend of mine.
· Ron had formed a close relationship with Andrea.
(=reduce the amount or importance of a difference)· The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.· The policies are designed to close the gap between rich and poor.
· Please close the gate.
(=in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support)· The young mothers in the village are a fairly close-knit group.
I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. the close link between teacher and student (=change something so that there is no longer a loophole)· The president is eager to close tax loopholes for foreign companies.
(=with each team playing equally well)· Germany won the match, although it was close.
(=end it)· He closed the meeting by saying, ‘I think we have made great progress.’
(=that only a few people are allowed to go to)· The senator attended a private meeting with the president.
· He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.
· A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.
· The two companies have built up a close partnership over the past four years.
Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other).· Most people were predicting a close race.
a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)· Many Japanese favor closer relations with the U.S.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· Many of her close relations live nearby.
· Laura had a very close relationship with her grandmother.
· The evidence points to a close relationship between poverty and disease.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· He lost several close relatives in the war.
· The vase bore a close resemblance to one owned by my mother.
(=the one that is closest to beating them)· She finished 7.1 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
· The mountain road was closed by snow.
(=very careful scrutiny)· Both these areas of law have come under close scrutiny by the courts.
· There was a close similarity between his and Smith's views on education.
· She was well cared for during the final stages of her life.
(=quickly one after the other) He fired two shots in quick succession.
He fired two shots in quick succession.· Children were allowed out only under close supervision.
(=be almost crying)· He could see that May was close to tears.
· He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.· The book comes a little too close to the truth for their liking.
· She shut the window firmly.
· All the windows were closed.
We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.· He changed his opinion during the last years of his life.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· The sale, which was expected, brings to a close a chapter that began when Xerox bought insurance company Crum&.· Jasper had a way of bringing conversations to a close.
· Exactly when the Gingrich case will come to a close has become a matter of bitter dispute.· The announcement came after the close of trading.· Ultimately, some one wins-the case comes to a close.· The long day was coming to a close.· Trials proceed until the case comes to a close with a verdict, mistrial or late settlement.
· As training drew to a close, a delicious smile suddenly appeared on Nick Mallett's face.· The long gray afternoon drew to a close.· It is more a mode of address for a slightly iffy constitutional compromise that is drawing peacefully towards its close.· My time with Stark was drawing to a close.· As the 1860s drew to a close, Kansas effectively put its violent heritage behind; change accelerated by leaps and bounds.· John Champagne and Bob Guadiana grabbed their chance to lead the way as 1991 drew to a close.· With the announcement of Daimler, the 77-year existence of Fokker appears to be drawing to a close.· The year 1995 drew to a close on a fitting note.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close to the bone► play/keep your cards close to your chest► can do something with your eyes shut/closed► (hard/hot/close) on somebody’s heels► move in/close in for the kill► close to the mark► deep-set/wide-set/close-set eyes► shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
[singular] formal the end of an activity or of a period of time: - But your own past can be a closed book, even at fourteen.
- He is holding a closed book, signifying a mystery, possibly a stage in the alchemical process.
- I can not believe that it can be right that this late in the game Poetry is still a closed book.
- I tell myself it's a closed book, but my cover story becomes an old man's compensation.
- Linear preoccupation in the past remains a closed book to modern understanding.
- The highly organised St Stephen's Society programme which she now leads was at that time a closed book to her!
- The kitchenette is a closed book.
- The Shoah will never be a closed book.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- A loss in this election will not necessarily close the door on the campaign.
- Come in, lads, come in and shut the door on the fog.
- Even so, Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility.
- Imagine asking that they close the door on me so I can see what it feels like.
- It watched her, unwinking, until she reached the room behind the shop and shut the door on its crimson gaze.
- Lucker murmurs something to Jasper and leads him away closing the door on me.
- She closed the door on them.
- The previous owner had used a bathroom off one of the bedrooms as storage and simply closed the door on it.
- As the habeas hearing drew near, Lancaster County officials' concern over these revelations grew noticeable.
- As the pair drew near he turned and fled.
- As the race drew closer it was time for Paul to take a back seat.
- As we drew near and I watched 747 after 747 climbing laboriously into the clouds, I wondered what fate befell me.
- Men prosper for a decade, and demons dare not draw near!
- The bailiff directed all to draw near and give their attendance, promising that they would be heard.
- They drew near the bed and stared down at the boy who lay there sleeping in its drifts of tumbling lace.
- Two young boys, of around ten years of age, drawing closer, then parallel, now swiftly passing, past.
- As the decade drew to a close, it was evident that consumers were fed up.
- As the General's visit ended, the competition drew to a close.
- As the singing draws to a close, the cousins urge her to make a wish.
- But Enterprise Neptune has not drawn to an end with the successful completion of its Silver Jubilee year.
- He used to long for his holidays and grow deeply depressed when they drew to an end.
- The last of the wine is poured; the meal draws to a close.
- The long gray afternoon drew to a close.
- The year 1968 drew to a close and with it the life of Londonderry Corporation.
- At first, I closed my ears to what I did not want to hear.
- Claudia sank down on to her bed and tried to shut her ears to the sound of him in the next room.
- Don't close your ears to the world and don't give up.
- He tried to close his ears to the plea.
- Rincewind tried to shut his ears to the grating voice beside him.
- She heard the boys hurling abuse at her, shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.
- She wanted to close her ears to it.
- Sometimes she even managed to shut her ears to the arguments going on around her.
- We can't close our eyes to the fact that our town has a gang problem.
- I've closed my eyes to your activities long enough.
- If we must sometimes close our eyes to open them in the myth dimension, so be it.
- On a sob Ruth swallowed hard and closed her eyes to the burning sun overhead.
- On the other hand the very same development increases their tendency to close their eyes to the future.
- Prayer May we never become so worldly that we close our eyes to the miracle and mystery of life.
- The need to push came again, and Jane closed her eyes to concentrate.
- They could not shut their eyes to the ugly and degrading side of wine-drinking and see only the delightful side.
- Turning off the light, she slid back under the covers and closed her eyes to sleep fitfully until noon.
- His latest challenge is on a smaller scale, but it's much closer to his heart.
- I hold you near, close to my heart, There's so much for me to give, Where to begin?
- It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.
- One subject is obviously dear to Schofield's heart - the captaincy of Great Britain and Leeds.
- Other songs: Include Stainsby Girls, inspired by a Middlesbrough school close to his heart.
- The electrification of the network, a topic close to Lenin's heart, was discussed in the pages of Gudok.
- The President would go to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place close to his heart.
- Critique followed hot on the heels of this pioneering work.
- On the heels of this came Mr J. to tell us that young Mrs P. had had her thighbone crushed.
- Then it seemed that the consummation would follow soon on the heels of its inauguration.
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- They had quite a reputation for sailing close to the wind.
- With his own property, it was perhaps easier too for a baron to take risks or sail close to the wind.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- He keeps tabs on everyone in the building.
- A psychologist will keep tabs on teams of youngsters and will stop the operation if they show signs of stress.
- About the world Lenny Wilkens has been keeping tabs on world events, and one thing is clear.
- Although so little was heard from them, those who kept tabs on them were convinced that they were slowly fading away.
- Anne Dickson, a local politician, said people had been keeping tabs on Hamilton for years.
- But trappers will keep tabs on the extra traps until February, officials said.
- If she asked, he would accuse her of nagging, of wanting to keep tabs on him.
- They patrol land and keep tabs on the gangs after tip offs from gamekeepers and farmers.
- We try to keep close tabs on our boys in blue.
- The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.
- The main street in Lincoln is narrow, and the little houses are close together.
- These horses show relaxed, peaceful outlines, with friends standing particularly close together.
- They stood close together in silence, listening.
- Though they are close together on the couch, there is in fact a chasm between them.
- We draw close together to complete our plans.
At the close of trade, the Dow Jones index was 1.92 points down. The monsoon season was drawing to a close (=ending). The event came to a close (=finished) with a disco. Finally the meeting was brought to a close (=ended).close1 verbclose2 adjectiveclose3 adverbclose4 nounclose5 noun
closeclose5 /kləʊs $ kloʊs/ noun British English EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- I remember the close of each of those weekend nights as a prolonged farewell.
- Lying in a cradle close by are two babies.
THESAURUSActions when using a computer
to make a computer start working: · I’m having problems starting up my computer.
to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: · He logged on and read his emails.
to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: · When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.
to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: · All users should install anti-virus software.
to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: · You can download MP3 files.
to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: · Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.
to make a file or program ready to use: · Open a new file and type in the information.
to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: · Scroll down to read the questions and answers.
to type information into a computer: · The program requires you to enter a password.
to remove information from a computer: · I’ve deleted his email.· When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.
to remove information from one place and put it in another place: · Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.
to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: · Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.
to stop having a file or program ready to use: · To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: · I get an error message when I log off.
to make a computer stop working: · Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.
to make a computer start working again: · Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.
WORD SETSarterial, adjectiveartery, nounasphalt, nounAve., avenue, nounballast, nounbarricade, nounBelisha beacon, nounbeltway, nounbitumen, nounblacktop, nounblind alley, nounblind spot, nounBlvd., bollard, nounbottleneck, nounboulevard, nounbox junction, nounbus lane, nounbus shelter, nounbus stop, nounbypass, nounbypass, verbbyway, nouncamber, nouncarriageway, nounCatseye, nouncauseway, nouncentral reservation, nounchicane, nounchippings, nouncircus, nounclose, nouncloverleaf, nouncobble, verbcobble, nouncobbled, adjectivecobblestone, nouncone, nouncontraflow, nouncorner, nouncorniche, nouncrash barrier, nouncrawler lane, nouncrescent, nouncrossing, nouncrossroads, nouncross street, nouncrosswalk, nouncul-de-sac, nouncurb, noundead end, noundirt road, noundiversion, noundivided highway, noundogleg, nounDr, dual carriageway, nounesplanade, nounexit, nounexpress, adjectiveexpressway, nounfast lane, nounflyover, nounfootbridge, nounfreeway, nounfwy., gradient, noungravelled, adjectivegridlock, noungrit, noungrit, verbgutter, nounhairpin bend, nounhard shoulder, nounheadroom, nounhedgerow, nounhigh road, nounhighway, nounhill, nounhump-backed bridge, nouninterchange, nounintersect, verbintersection, nouninterstate, nounkerb, nounlamp-post, nounlane, nounlay-by, nounlevel crossing, nounmacadam, nounmain road, nounmanhole, nounmedian, nounmeter maid, nounmews, nounmilestone, nounmini-roundabout, nounmotorway, nounnegotiable, adjectiveoff-ramp, nounoff-road, adjectiveone-way, adjectiveon-ramp, nounorbital, adjectiveparade, nounparkway, nounpath, nounpathway, nounpave, verbpavement, nounpedestrian, nounpedestrian, adjectivepedestrian crossing, nounpedestrianize, verbpedestrian precinct, nounpelican crossing, nounpiazza, nounpike, nounPk, Pl., plaza, nounpoint, nounpothole, nounpromenade, nounramp, nounRd., rest area, nounresurface, verbright of way, nounring road, nounroad, nounroadblock, nounroad sign, nounroad tax, nounroadway, nounroadworks, nounroundabout, nounrush hour, nounrut, nounrutted, adjectiveS-bend, nounS-curve, nounservice area, nounservice station, nounshoulder, nounsidewalk, nounsignpost, nounsingle track road, nounsleeping policeman, nounslip road, nounsnow route, nounsoft shoulder, nounspeed bump, nounspeed limit, nounspur, nounSt, stoplight, nounstreet, nounstreetcar, nounstreetlight, nounstrip, nounsubway, nounsuperhighway, nounsuspension bridge, nounswitchback, nountar, nountar, verbtarmac, nountarmac, verbtaxi rank, nounterminus, nounthoroughfare, nounthroughway, nounthruway, nounT-junction, nountoll, nountollbooth, nountoll bridge, nountollgate, nountoll road, nountollway, nountowaway zone, nountraffic, nountraffic calming, nountraffic circle, nountraffic cone, nountraffic island, nountraffic lights, nountraffic warden, nountramlines, nountruck stop, nountrunk road, nounturn, nounturning, nounturn-off, nounturnout, nounturnpike, noununderpass, nounway, nounwayside, nounweighbridge, nounyellow line, nounzebra crossing, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies. his close association with the Green Party He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind. a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something) I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. the close link between teacher and student Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other). a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully) I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns. We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.
(=have almost reached an agreement)· Management and unions are close to an agreement about pay.
· He forged a strong alliance between his state and the church.
Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest allies.· Students learn to make a close analysis of the texts.
his close association with the Green Party· The customs officer opened my bag.
He set off down the road with the rest of us following close behind.· A strong bond had developed between them.
(=prevent people from crossing)· The government moved quickly to close the border.
(=especially a meeting)· At last the meeting was brought to a close.
· He was writing his books towards the end of the 19th century.
(=at the beginning or end of a special event)· I stayed for the closing ceremony.
(=a careful one)· His teacher was keeping a close check on his progress.
(=in which the people know each other very well)· He cultivated a close circle of musical acquaintances.
(=a close one)· His intimate circle was tiny.
(=not open to other people)· He didn’t have much experience of life beyond the closed circle of his family.
· The front door shut with a click.
a close-knit community The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. (=in which you are very near your opponent)· Swords and spears were used for close combat.
Come a bit closer and you’ll be able to see better. (=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
· At school, we were close companions for several years.
(also somebody's nearest competitor British English) (=someone's main competitor)· He had five times as many votes as his nearest competitor.
· the close connection between maths and physics
(=in which people, groups etc discuss something carefully together)· The changes followed close consultation with government officials.
(=communicating with someone often)· I like to stay in close contact with my parents.
(=one which someone wins by a very small amount)· The race was a close contest between two evenly matched crews.
· We work together in close cooperation to provide the best possible service.
(=a good copy)· It is a close copy of a bronze figure found in Iceland.
· They found evidence of a high correlation between drinking and violence.
The Alaskan brown bear is a close cousin of the grizzly bear. (=close them)· The room was dark because the curtains were drawn.
The boat was dangerously close to the rocks. literary (=it becomes darker outside)· The rain turned to snow and darkness closed in.
(=the last day you can officially do something)· The closing date for applications is April 30th.
formal (=agree a deal formally)· A deal between the two companies has now been concluded.
· I opened the door and Dad was standing there.· Can you close the door as you go out?
· We were still waiting for the train doors to open.
· She shut the drawer and locked it with a small key.
a close encounter with a snake (=a frightening situation in which you get too close to something)· The corner store was the closest equivalent we had to a supermarket when I was young.
(=very careful and detailed)· A close examination of the figures revealed many discrepancies.
· On closer examination, I could see a slight crack in the window.
(=close together)· He had a small nose and close-set eyes.
· Joe closed his eyes and tried to get back to sleep.
· She let her eyes close for just a moment.
· The factory was closed down in 2006.
(=a family that spends a lot of time together and gives each other support)· Laura's family are very close.
· You may need to close the file and restart the computer.
(=an end of a race where two competitors are very close to each other)
(=one of the friends you like the most)· She’s a good friend of mine.
· Ron had formed a close relationship with Andrea.
(=reduce the amount or importance of a difference)· The book aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.· The policies are designed to close the gap between rich and poor.
· Please close the gate.
(=in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support)· The young mothers in the village are a fairly close-knit group.
I had my eyes half-closed. Janice likes to have the window open. She had her back to the door. (=with your arms around someone) Max held her close and wiped away her tears.
Max held her close and wiped away her tears. the close link between teacher and student (=change something so that there is no longer a loophole)· The president is eager to close tax loopholes for foreign companies.
(=with each team playing equally well)· Germany won the match, although it was close.
(=end it)· He closed the meeting by saying, ‘I think we have made great progress.’
(=that only a few people are allowed to go to)· The senator attended a private meeting with the president.
· He opened his mouth wide so the doctor could examine his throat.
· A lot of useful knowledge is gained by careful observation of the world around you.
· The two companies have built up a close partnership over the past four years.
Karpov, the champion, came perilously close to losing. (=its performances stop)· The play closes on Sunday, so don’t miss it!
Here the rich and the poor live in close proximity (=very near to each other).· Most people were predicting a close race.
a close reading of the text (=when you read it very carefully)· Many Japanese favor closer relations with the U.S.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· Many of her close relations live nearby.
· Laura had a very close relationship with her grandmother.
· The evidence points to a close relationship between poverty and disease.
(=a brother, parent, aunt etc)· He lost several close relatives in the war.
· The vase bore a close resemblance to one owned by my mother.
(=the one that is closest to beating them)· She finished 7.1 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
· The mountain road was closed by snow.
(=very careful scrutiny)· Both these areas of law have come under close scrutiny by the courts.
· There was a close similarity between his and Smith's views on education.
· She was well cared for during the final stages of her life.
(=quickly one after the other) He fired two shots in quick succession.
He fired two shots in quick succession.· Children were allowed out only under close supervision.
(=be almost crying)· He could see that May was close to tears.
· He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
I’m in close touch with Anna. A head-teacher needs to remain in close touch with teachers’ everyday concerns.· The book comes a little too close to the truth for their liking.
· She shut the window firmly.
· All the windows were closed.
We have a close working relationship with other voluntary groups.· He changed his opinion during the last years of his life.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► close to the bone► play/keep your cards close to your chest► can do something with your eyes shut/closed► (hard/hot/close) on somebody’s heels► move in/close in for the kill► close to the mark► deep-set/wide-set/close-set eyes► shut/close the stable door after the horse has bolted
1[singular] used in street names for a road that has only one way in or out: - But your own past can be a closed book, even at fourteen.
- He is holding a closed book, signifying a mystery, possibly a stage in the alchemical process.
- I can not believe that it can be right that this late in the game Poetry is still a closed book.
- I tell myself it's a closed book, but my cover story becomes an old man's compensation.
- Linear preoccupation in the past remains a closed book to modern understanding.
- The highly organised St Stephen's Society programme which she now leads was at that time a closed book to her!
- The kitchenette is a closed book.
- The Shoah will never be a closed book.
- At times, the similarities are too close for comfort, edging towards the derivative.
- But our last memory was of a nightingale pair, singing in competition in territories perhaps too close for comfort.
- Cross-addictions may be hotly denied because the subject matter may for some be too close for comfort.
- In a wave trough I caught a glimpse of a coral head to port: a little too close for comfort.
- Lightning dipped and veered in a manner which was far too close for comfort.
- Richard, and you quite see why, finds economy airline seats too close for comfort.
- The movement brought him too close for comfort.
- A loss in this election will not necessarily close the door on the campaign.
- Come in, lads, come in and shut the door on the fog.
- Even so, Wickham was not ready to shut the door on the possibility.
- Imagine asking that they close the door on me so I can see what it feels like.
- It watched her, unwinking, until she reached the room behind the shop and shut the door on its crimson gaze.
- Lucker murmurs something to Jasper and leads him away closing the door on me.
- She closed the door on them.
- The previous owner had used a bathroom off one of the bedrooms as storage and simply closed the door on it.
- As the habeas hearing drew near, Lancaster County officials' concern over these revelations grew noticeable.
- As the pair drew near he turned and fled.
- As the race drew closer it was time for Paul to take a back seat.
- As we drew near and I watched 747 after 747 climbing laboriously into the clouds, I wondered what fate befell me.
- Men prosper for a decade, and demons dare not draw near!
- The bailiff directed all to draw near and give their attendance, promising that they would be heard.
- They drew near the bed and stared down at the boy who lay there sleeping in its drifts of tumbling lace.
- Two young boys, of around ten years of age, drawing closer, then parallel, now swiftly passing, past.
- As the decade drew to a close, it was evident that consumers were fed up.
- As the General's visit ended, the competition drew to a close.
- As the singing draws to a close, the cousins urge her to make a wish.
- But Enterprise Neptune has not drawn to an end with the successful completion of its Silver Jubilee year.
- He used to long for his holidays and grow deeply depressed when they drew to an end.
- The last of the wine is poured; the meal draws to a close.
- The long gray afternoon drew to a close.
- The year 1968 drew to a close and with it the life of Londonderry Corporation.
- At first, I closed my ears to what I did not want to hear.
- Claudia sank down on to her bed and tried to shut her ears to the sound of him in the next room.
- Don't close your ears to the world and don't give up.
- He tried to close his ears to the plea.
- Rincewind tried to shut his ears to the grating voice beside him.
- She heard the boys hurling abuse at her, shouting to her to stop, but she shut her ears to them.
- She wanted to close her ears to it.
- Sometimes she even managed to shut her ears to the arguments going on around her.
- We can't close our eyes to the fact that our town has a gang problem.
- I've closed my eyes to your activities long enough.
- If we must sometimes close our eyes to open them in the myth dimension, so be it.
- On a sob Ruth swallowed hard and closed her eyes to the burning sun overhead.
- On the other hand the very same development increases their tendency to close their eyes to the future.
- Prayer May we never become so worldly that we close our eyes to the miracle and mystery of life.
- The need to push came again, and Jane closed her eyes to concentrate.
- They could not shut their eyes to the ugly and degrading side of wine-drinking and see only the delightful side.
- Turning off the light, she slid back under the covers and closed her eyes to sleep fitfully until noon.
- His latest challenge is on a smaller scale, but it's much closer to his heart.
- I hold you near, close to my heart, There's so much for me to give, Where to begin?
- It is one that lies close to the heart of any study of the interaction of religion and society.
- One subject is obviously dear to Schofield's heart - the captaincy of Great Britain and Leeds.
- Other songs: Include Stainsby Girls, inspired by a Middlesbrough school close to his heart.
- The electrification of the network, a topic close to Lenin's heart, was discussed in the pages of Gudok.
- The President would go to Williamsburg, Virginia, a place close to his heart.
- Critique followed hot on the heels of this pioneering work.
- On the heels of this came Mr J. to tell us that young Mrs P. had had her thighbone crushed.
- Then it seemed that the consummation would follow soon on the heels of its inauguration.
- With another couple of laps he might have finished close on the heels of the two Dunlops.
- Roslin, known for playing his cards close to his vest, declined to comment.
- They had quite a reputation for sailing close to the wind.
- With his own property, it was perhaps easier too for a baron to take risks or sail close to the wind.
- And so we all had a close shave once a term.
- Had a close shave by the looks of you.
- He seemed pale and in need of a closer shave.
- I had to rinse quite often to get rid of debris, but it did give a close shave.
- Now the challenge is complete, he is considering a close shave, probably in the name of charity.
- He keeps tabs on everyone in the building.
- A psychologist will keep tabs on teams of youngsters and will stop the operation if they show signs of stress.
- About the world Lenny Wilkens has been keeping tabs on world events, and one thing is clear.
- Although so little was heard from them, those who kept tabs on them were convinced that they were slowly fading away.
- Anne Dickson, a local politician, said people had been keeping tabs on Hamilton for years.
- But trappers will keep tabs on the extra traps until February, officials said.
- If she asked, he would accuse her of nagging, of wanting to keep tabs on him.
- They patrol land and keep tabs on the gangs after tip offs from gamekeepers and farmers.
- We try to keep close tabs on our boys in blue.
- The Beastline were standing close together, silhouetted against the sky.
- The main street in Lincoln is narrow, and the little houses are close together.
- These horses show relaxed, peaceful outlines, with friends standing particularly close together.
- They stood close together in silence, listening.
- Though they are close together on the couch, there is in fact a chasm between them.
- We draw close together to complete our plans.
Take a left turn into Brown’s Close.2[countable usually singular] the area and buildings surrounding a cathedral