close (in) around (someone or something)

close (in) around (someone or something)

To physically surround or encircle someone or something, often very closely and encroachingly. As the opposing troops closed in around us, I knew we would never win the battle. I need to get out of this little cabin—I feel like the walls are closing around me.See also: around, close

close (in) around someone or something

to move to surround someone or something. The police closed in around the thieves. We closed in around the enemy camp.See also: around, close