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adjective kləʊskloʊs

  • 1Only a short distance away or apart in space or time.

    the hotel is close to the sea
    her birthday and mine were close together
    why don't we go straight to the shops, as we're so close?
    Example sentencesExamples
    • If you decide not to allow smoking in the reception area, how close is the nearest place for a smoker to go?
    • When moving home last summer we made sure our new house was close to a good primary school.
    • Our guide kept moving at the same pace, and didn't turn back to face us, or give us any sign that our destination was close at hand.
    • I could hardly tell exactly what it was, but it was very close and was a highly concentrated light.
    • As he sits down in the family's small room, explosions can be heard from a close neighbourhood.
    • Her warm body was so close, his hands around that slim waist were gently squeezing and caressing her.
    • Tessa cooks the evening meal, but the nearest town is close if clients wish to eat out occasionally.
    • Indeed the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow Retail Park and the town centre are very close.
    • A car park facility in close proximity to it would be a considerable advantage to the many people who visit it on a regular basis.
    • If you don't like the weather this winter, a change is as close as your nearest airport.
    • I was pretty close, though I still couldn't see the skyline of New York.
    • A few people, almost invariably working in close proximity to birds, have been infected and become seriously ill.
    • A move to the village would give the Duchess her independence while allowing her daughters to be in close proximity to their father.
    • It is much smoother and more intimate than the ballroom tango, with the couple's upper bodies close together and lower bodies apart.
    • When the officer was close enough he reached out and grabbed Danny's ankles tight, pulling him forward.
    • The Sentinel banked and turned to line up with their relatively close destination.
    • In the small, tight world of the judo competitor your opponent is very close, at arms length or less.
    • Louisa takes off and does the same, with Grace following in close pursuit.
    • Sometimes two different logging roads are close enough to be within radio range.
    • Even those working in towns are usually close enough to go home for lunch, as do farmers.
    Synonyms
    near, adjacent, in close proximity, close/near at hand
    not far from, in the vicinity of, in the neighbourhood of, within reach of, within close range of
    neighbouring, hard by, adjoining, abutting, alongside, on the doorstep, within sight, within earshot, a stone's throw away
    close by, nearby, at hand, at close quarters, contiguous, proximate
    accessible, handy, convenient, walkable
    informal within spitting distance, {a hop, a skip, and a jump away}, within sniffing distance
    archaic nigh
    1. 1.1 With very little or no space in between; dense.
      cloth with a close weave
      this work occupies over 1,300 pages of close print
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He pulled out a sheet of thin blue paper covered in close type.
      • If the agreement is in writing it may be in very close print on the back of a delivery docket or ticket.
      • It was slow work, for the trees were close, and in places dense with the bare vines and stalks of undergrowth.
      Synonyms
      dense, compact, tight, close-packed, tightly packed, packed, solid, condensed, compressed, concentrated
      crowded, cramped, crammed, congested, crushed, squeezed, jammed
    2. 1.2 Narrowly enclosed.
      animals in close confinement
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In this narrow and close environment it became inevitable that Brenda and Henry should clash.
      • The tiny but sturdy craft was tossed precariously by the rip tides created in the close waterway.
      • Sows in close confinement on concrete have a higher incidence of injuries to feet.
    3. 1.3close to Very near to (being or doing something)
      on a good day the climate in LA is close to perfection
      she was close to tears
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Specialist poultry breeders are close to ruin because of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
      • He was close to tears in breaking the news to me over the telephone.
      • ‘I wouldn't say the club came close to closing over the last seven years, but we have had some very trying moments, particularly last season,’ he states.
      • The tragedy of the situation is how close the company has come to being a financially sound airline.
      • He said the situation had got so bad that many drivers were close to breaking point.
      • He might well go close to emulating his feat on the course last week when he won four races on the card.
      • I had a low point towards the end of last season and that is why I was close to leaving the club, but now I am at my best ever level.
      • There were several occasions when they acted so stupidly, I came close to shouting at the screen in frustration.
      • The attempt nearly succeeded as he was close to being able to get his head through the hole.
      Synonyms
      on the verge of, near, on the brink of, on the point of, within an ace of, in danger of
    4. 1.4 (with reference to a competitive situation) involving only a small margin between winner and loser.
      the race will be a close contest
      she finished a close second
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It was a close competition as there was so much artistic talent on display on the day.
      • This was a very close contest all through with never more than a point or two between the teams at any time.
      • If the large crowd thought that the first half was a close contest the second half was to be an even closer affair.
      • In a fixture which has historically been a close contest, the Blues scored ten tries as their backs tore Loughborough apart.
      • This left the overall result very close, but the winner was Steve Mascari with a total of 31 pts.
      • I hope the matches this week are close, competitive and courteous.
      • But I am conscious of the fact that we lost all three matches by very narrow margins and winning the close matches becomes a habit.
      • The South Yorkshire club has won the League Championship more than any other side in recent years so a close contest can be expected.
      • A meeting between these two sides are always very close and tight and this clash will be no different.
      • In the county juvenile championships there was plenty of excitement and some very close contests.
      • This was a very close and exciting game with a large number of supporters crowding the field to cheer on their teams.
      • After a close fight, the crowd becomes frustrated to hear the official verdict.
      • It was a close contest, without doubt, and both men deserve credit for a decent heavyweight championship bout.
      • I remember once backing a horse called Tied Cottage for the Irish National, which came second in a very close race.
      • It will be a different kind of challenge from previous races, with really close racing in a big pack of cars.
      • The tight 1.5 mile circuit promises close racing action for all four classes of cars.
      • While Stevens built up a comfortable lead by the end of the race, behind him the competition for podium places was exceptionally close.
      • This was close fight and would have been even tighter without the points deducted.
      • While she was pleased with the result she was also relieved at having come through after such a close contest.
      • The layout of the track lends itself to tight, close racing which is always good for the fans.
      • It's going to be a close contest.
      • The 1973 legislative elections were very close, and the vote of the right was squeezed by the left as its realignment paid off.
      Synonyms
      evenly matched, even, well matched
      neck and neck, side by side, nose to nose, with nothing to choose between them
      hard-fought, sharply contested, nip and tuck
      informal fifty-fifty, even-steven(s)

  • 2attributive Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling.

    the family history of cancer in close relatives
    Example sentencesExamples
    • None of the close family has accepted offers of counselling.
    • People who have cars and trucks gather basic things and flee with their family members and close relatives.
    • Only she and her close family knew what she had been through to get back to the very top.
    • Jeanne, who had no children or surviving close family, was profoundly deaf and also had learning difficulties.
    • He wanted to come down to Kent to be nearer his close family and it was a shock when he died so soon afterwards.
    • Her close family were given a dose of antibiotics as a precaution, but most cases of the disease occur in isolation.
    • He told only close family that he had chest trouble and used an inhaler.
    • Apparently Colin wants his close family to be involved in the birth and upbringing of his child.
    • I have been through this and seen close family members go through it.
    • My math teacher lost her entire close family, and was very seriously injured.
    • Saying a final farewell to the Princess, who died last Saturday aged 71, were her close family as well as many friends.
    • Now children who have lost a parent or a close family member are being offered the chance to meet up with others who understand their suffering.
    • I could only imagine how it would feel to have a close member of your family talked about in that way.
    • Some of you may get a windfall: property or a vehicle from parents or close relatives.
    • Lizzie Murphy spoke to two Yorkshire families which lost close relatives in the tsunami disaster
    • Orphaned at 13 but not left homeless, he was supported by close family.
    • They generally aspire only to the sorts of jobs done by their parents and close relatives.
    • I can't help thinking about all those mothers and fathers and children who lost close family.
    • The marriage itself was in a Catholic Church, thousands of miles from home, with none of her close family in attendance.
    • On one of our chats he told me that he did not want to have another stroke as he had no children or close family.
    Synonyms
    immediate, direct, near
    1. 2.1 On very affectionate or intimate terms.
      they had always been very close, with no secrets at all
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The two of them had been close since childhood, and he had had a lifelong crush on her.
      • From a professional friendship, their relationship has evolved into a close intimate friendship.
      • We're very good friends and very close but he doesn't spare me either.
      • I'm close to all my children, but Rupert and I were especially close.
      • John Morgan, a close friend, said he was shocked by the news but admitted that Charles's health had deteriorated recently.
      • My close friend and confidante was my cousin Kitty, the closest to me in age and the only other girl.
      • You know, I always joked I had a million acquaintances and only a couple of close friends.
      • I enjoyed living in the country and valued the close friends I made there.
      • Not surprisingly, close friends of his called during the interview to congratulate him on the promotion.
      • I was hardly aware of opening my locker and being surrounded by my pack of close confidants.
      • At the age of 16 a close friend of mine died from drug abuse over a prolonged period.
      • I have only told one of my close friends about what happened.
      • Sanjay himself is not a great party-goer; he prefers small gatherings with a few close friends.
      • From 1754 he took up farming but maintained his scientific interests, being on close terms with Joseph Black.
      • Little by little however, she seemed to get comfortable with the fact that I wanted to be close and intimate with her.
      • You tried to make friends with one of my close and dear friends, who also, as you knew, loved me.
      • He and his sister were close and her death affected him so strongly that friends initially feared for his own mental health.
      • We're nowhere near as close as we used to be, but I enjoy talking to her all the same.
      Synonyms
      intimate, dear, bosom
      close-knit, inseparable, attached, loving, devoted, faithful, constant
      special, good, best, fast, firm, valued, treasured, cherished
      informal matey, chummy, pally, (as) thick as thieves
      North American informal buddy-buddy, palsy-walsy
    2. 2.2 (of a connection or resemblance) strong.
      the college has close links with many other institutions
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His father helped build the towers and he felt a close connection to them.
      • Both moved to the United States many years ago but still maintain close connections with home.
      • They were stunned at the close resemblance and did not seem convinced by my denial.
      • The physiological connection is close enough that surgeons have attempted heart and liver transplants from baboon to human.
      • We have very close connections to the community in a way sometimes federal law enforcement does not.
      • I must stress that I have no close connection with the Choral Union.
      • They maintain close connections with many of these firms, particularly the top defence companies.
      • The voice of a mother, unleashed in all its power, bears a close resemblance to thunder.
      • The competition was dreamed up by staff at the Lowry in response to claims by many visitors that dogs in the pictures bear a close resemblance to their own.
      • There are places on Earth today that may bear a close resemblance to the Antarctic landform back then.
      • As the creation of the welfare state was high on the agenda of all parties, manifestos bore close resemblance on this point.
      • The resemblance is so close, that we suppose the latter has been derived from the former.
      • The small population has close links with Brazil across the border.
      • One of them, which she calls baked French toast, bears a close resemblance to a shallow bread and butter pudding.
      • He built up a strong party organization with close links to the trade unions.
      • Since the prints are made directly from his fine art prints, they offer a very close match.
      • My own reputation suffered from his actions, for our close resemblance caused me to be credited with many of them.
      • They also found a close link between the price of beer and other alcoholic beverages, so all drinkers were losing out in the most expensive areas.
      • Foreign firms are also strongly advised to establish close links with their host government and local community.
      • We also need to recognise the close connection between poverty and crime.
      Synonyms
      strong, marked, distinct, pronounced

  • 3(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way.

    pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
    Example sentencesExamples
    • But about five per cent of cases in the city had some drug resistance and needed close observation.
    • Both men were hit by debris from accidents and Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix will be under close scrutiny.
    • Again, Leonardo used his method of close observation to study how machines work.
    • The best precautionary measure is close observation of the patient's condition.
    • Stocks are moving cautiously higher today as investors keep a close eye on those oil prices.
    • At last week's full council meeting she called for close monitoring of the situation by the county council.
    • A close examination of the group's claims has revealed serious holes.
    • Despite a lack of wind, racing was close and the umpires were given plenty of cause for close scrutiny.
    • Yet, a close analysis of West Brom two summers ago and reveal that all has not changed utterly.
    • Doctors said she wakened after the surgery and was being kept under close observation.
    • But his performance in months ahead will come under close scrutiny.
    • But a close comparison of the various reports also throws up a number of differences that the BBC will have to explain.
    • Today, he can eliminate some of the crime prints just by having a close look at them.
    • A close investigation of the bags throws up till receipts which make very interesting reading.
    • The Web site now has over eight thousand historical maps available for close examination.
    • This can be a major source of error if you're not keeping close track of what every letter stands for.
    • We'll take a close look at the tightest races across the country with our political panel.
    • Samuel had to be treated for several infections and was kept under close observation in case his condition changed.
    • It is, however, a claim that does not bear too much in the way of close scrutiny.
    • What it means is this deserves very careful attention, a very close investigation.
    Synonyms
    careful, detailed, thorough, minute, painstaking, meticulous, assiduous, diligent, rigorous, scrupulous, conscientious, attentive, focused, intent, concentrated, searching, methodical
    vigilant, watchful, keen, alert
    1. 3.1 Carefully guarded.
      his whereabouts are a close secret
      Example sentencesExamples
      • They announced the pregnancy in January after their romance had been kept a close secret.
      • Every year, the Sowdens and the Waites put up their displays on the same day, but keep them a close secret until they are finished.
      • The entire operation was kept a close secret.
      • The third part of the trilogy is being kept a close secret.
      • Details are being kept a close secret until press day at the show.
      • The contents of the correspondence are still being kept a close secret and neither side has released any details.
      • And while this was being sorted out, the brotherhood tried to keep the problem a close secret.
      Synonyms
      carefully guarded, closely guarded, strict, tight
    2. 3.2 Not willing to give away money or information; secretive.
      you're very close about your work, aren't you?
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I've been begging her to let me meet you all for quite some time, but she's kept very close about it.
      • She was quite close with money, and they often had horrendous arguments about spending.
      Synonyms
      reticent, quiet, uncommunicative, unforthcoming, private, secretive, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, close-lipped, guarded, evasive
      informal playing one's cards close to one's chest

  • 4Uncomfortably humid or airless.

    a close, hazy day
    it was very close in the dressing room
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The room was close and airless, making a tense situation even more tense.
    • It looks like being dryer and warmer inland and may be a bit close.
    • At weddings and religious ceremonies where attendees were crowded and when the atmosphere was very close, these "portable air conditioners" were in great demand.
    • As many as 30,000 people are crammed into close, hot and extremely humid quarters.
    • It was in the middle of the afternoon that some people began to notice a change, it began to get close and unseasonably warm.
    Synonyms
    humid, muggy, stuffy, airless, fuggy, heavy, sticky, steamy, clammy, sultry, oppressive, stifling, suffocating, like a Turkish bath, like a sauna
    unventilated

  • 5Phonetics

    another term for high (sense 7 of the adjective)
    Example sentencesExamples
    • In the following presentation both the 'open' and the 'close' pronunciation of each of the five vowels is illustrated.
    • Its vowel height is near-close, which means the tongue is positioned similarly to a close vowel, but slightly less constricted.
adverb kləʊskloʊs
often close to

  • Very near to someone or something; with very little space between.

    they stood close to the door
    he was holding her close
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Mom moved up the cot and squeezed next to Mira and held her close.
    • He loved it when she put her arms around him and hugged him close.
    • Following close behind her, Lily could almost feel Marion breathing on her neck.
    • He smiled and Thomas and I leaned even closer to hear him as his voice dropped with each passing word.
    • She then proceeded to hold it close to her heart, calling his name.
    • He just kissed my cheek and pulled me even closer to his chest.
    • She cried for almost an hour, hugging me close to her chest.
    • Her arm quickly pulled him close and she hugged him tight like she'd never let him go.
    • ‘You shouldn't step so close to the edge,’ I said.
    • Once Dr. West left the room Vivienne scooted closer to the edge of the bed and patted the empty space.
    • ‘Here, let me help you with these,’ he said, pulling me closer to shore.
    • She reached forward and grabbed the hands from the bed and pulled them close to her heart.
    • She keeps Betsy close as they wade through the crowds at the Statue of Liberty in New York.
    • Marie turned back to Alex with an angry expression, leaning close so that their faces were inches apart.
    • As his hands met along her spine, he briefly pulled her close and held her tight.
    • They just weren't strong enough, and the boats were coming uncomfortably close now.
    • Viewers may try to step closer to the surface of each canvas in search of clues.
    • I saw Val lead the rest of the team around the end of the truck and they followed her close.
    • There was a car following close behind us and I was praying that the airport wouldn't be far away.
    • It is not rude to stare or for persons to crowd one another at counters or stand very close.
    • Hoss had taken the little boy on his lap, and the other children had crowded close about him.
    • She squealed, as he moved dangerously close to the edge of the pool.
noun kləʊs
British

  • 1often in names A residential street without through access.

    she lives at 12 Goodwood Close
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The hot water has remained off in four closes, Olley, Mcintosh, Brackley and Douglas.
    • Like Edinburgh, it also has an Old Town, with narrow closes and tall, old buildings.
    • There were no streets, only avenues, crescents and closes.
    • They are two of 19 domestic and commercial owners in two adjacent closes which are now deluged whenever it rains.
    • Elsewhere, sober stone houses peek coyly at one and other across cobbled streets and evocative old closes.
    • But the secluded closes that run off the High Street and Canongate in Edinburgh's Old Town can also provide cover for criminal activities.
    • Around every corner lies another close, another lane, the bright sun throwing the rough stone walls into relief.
    Synonyms
    street, road, cul-de-sac
    courtyard, quadrangle, enclosure, piazza
    1. 1.1 The precinct surrounding a cathedral.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The museum is in the heart of historic Salisbury, in the cathedral close.
      • Pride of place goes to the cathedral and close, with a rich legacy of surviving and well-documented buildings.
      • Stuff like this gives just as much pleasure as a cathedral close or a Regency arcade.
      • The close of the cathedral is surrounded by a wall, which was built in the reign of Edward I.
      • She has come a long way from the Aga saga and the cathedral close.
    2. 1.2 A playing field at certain traditional English public schools.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It was back in 1823 when Rugby School pupil William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a game of football on The Close that one of the world's most popular sports was created.
    3. 1.3Scottish An entry from the street to a common stairway or to a court at the back of a building.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Most tenements have a back entrance leading from the common close.
      • There are fireworks, of course, and wee boys have a licence to roam the streets letting off bangers up closes, down dunnies and underneath unsuspecting old-age pensioners.
      • The tenement close was a semi-private extension of the street.
      • And through the years that followed - the drugs, the sleeping up closes, the risking her life on the streets - it's a lesson she has never forgotten.
      • Although Scotland's tenement flats are a well-loved part of urban culture, the upkeep of closes, roofs and other common areas can be a source of disastrous friction.

Phrases

  • at (or in) close quarters

    • Very or uncomfortably close to someone or something.

      he witnessed the atrocities of war at close quarters
      housing shortages force people to live in close quarters
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Living in close quarters with her, I decided that the time had come for me to learn how to speak my mother tongue.
      • There are many 19 th-century illustrations of the disastrous possibilities that could befall a whaling boat at close quarters with a whale.
      • He was under sustained enemy fire, witnessed fighting at close quarters with bayonets, and the death and serious injury of many comrades and enemy soldiers.
      • The audience is ushered into a series of spaces where battles and banquets take place at close quarters.
      • Lack of intimacy and diversity of interpretation means my account cannot lay claim to the kind of authority biography has when conducted at close quarters and with access to uncontested evidence.
      • There will inevitably continue to be problems that arise from living in close quarters while performing a lengthy, gruelling activity.
      • I have seen half a dozen conflicts at close quarters and know exactly what shrapnel does to flesh and bullet does to bone.
      • If the air-powered darts fails for any reason, the gun handset can be used itself at close quarters as a stun gun.
      • Short of scuba diving in sub-tropical waters, this must be the best way to see sharks at close quarters - and certainly safer.
      • It was an unforgettable experience to see Everest at close quarters.

  • close by

    • Very near; nearby.

      her father lives quite close by
      Example sentencesExamples
      • She applied for an allotment close by in Camden, only to be told none would be available until 2007.
      • Others living close by worked there as care assistants and nurses, or in the kitchens and as cleaners.
      • They now have five children and eight grandchildren, all living close by.
      • It is one of the only churches in the region without a graveyard adjacent to it or close by.
      • A number of items belonging to him are thought to have been found close by.
      • Had the resident looked out of the window at that precise moment, they would have noticed a van parked close by.
      • He also warned that the centre could affect businesses who might not like the idea of having a recycling centre close by.
      • Lyon International airport is also close by, and you can access the ski resorts very easily in winter.
      • I live in the city, I have all the restaurants and bars close by and there's a gym at the corner of my street.
      • She thought it was her husband until she heard a voice muttering close by.

  • close to (or close on)

    • (of an amount) almost; very nearly.

      he spent close to 30 years in jail
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I moved down to Durham, North Carolina and was there for close to 5 months.
      • When you add up both candidates' programmes, they amount to close on $3 trillion each.
      • Before the end of the weekend it is estimated that he lost close to a million pounds in deals.
      • It made the Mughal army supremely powerful and effective for close on 150 years.
      • My band has spent close on a year recording our first album.

  • close to the bone

    • see bone

  • close to one's heart

    • see heart

  • close to home

    • see home

  • close up

    • 1Stop using or operating a business or building.

      the solicitor advised me to close the house up for the time being
      Example sentencesExamples
      • ‘He stopped betting as the bookies closed up shop after the police decided to crack down on gambling,’ she explained.
      • Like I said, I'm this close to closing this business up.
      • The management company came by and ‘closed them up.’
      • Heritage listing, however, does not imply that a place would be closed up and treated as a museum piece.
      • Sometime in the middle of last year, the business pulled the plug - literally - and closed up shop.
      • Two houses have been closed up for the winter already.
      • A newly paved road, financed by remittances, leads to a virtual ghost town where more than half the homes are closed up.

    • 2(of an opening) grow smaller or become blocked by something.

      she felt her throat close up
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His throat closed up, his eyes filled with tears, his face flushed with anger and sorrow mixed.
      • If the hole closes up, the sinus can potentially become infected and fill up with pus again.
      • I felt my throat closing up, my palms getting sweaty.
      • My throat was closing up, and my heart thudded loudly in my chest.
      • He felt his throat close up, his heart stop, gooseflesh creep up every inch of his skin.
      • I choked on my own tears, and my throat closed up.
      • She could feel her throat closing up and knew she was going to start crying any moment.
      • My throat began to close up as I struggled not to break down in tears.
      • She couldn't breathe; her throat was closing up.
      • Her throat was closing up, she could not swallow or breathe, and within five minutes she had lost consciousness.

    • (of a person's face) become blank and emotionless or hostile.

      he didn't like her laughter and his face closed up angrily
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Peter turned away from him, his expression closing up.
      • His face closed up and he looked away from her, towards the forest.
      • She breaks off, her face closing up, her eyes darting away.

  • come close

    • Almost achieve or do.

      he came close to calling the Prime Minister a liar
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Whether he can come close to achieving as a manager what he achieved as a player remains to be seen.
      • It doesn't come close to achieving that target.
      • Alexander was the first to dream of world domination and to come close to achieving it.
      • The battle for a place in the final roared on like a blazing furnace with both teams coming close to breaking the deadlock.
      • Of course she knew where he was now, knew that he had come close to achieving his lofty goals, and she honoured him for that.
      • However their forwards kept plugging away with Michael Long and Brian Carbury coming close to scoring on at least two occasions.
      • To date, almost a month later, his colleagues do not even have a suspect, never mind coming close to making an arrest.
      • George Orwell nearly killed himself and half his family in its whirlpool, coming close to depriving the world of his last book, 1984.
      • They pressed forward in search of an equalizer, coming close on one occasion.
      • The now ageing boat took a heavy battering struggling into head winds in the Red Sea, and, after coming close to foundering, limped into an Egyptian marina.

  • too close for comfort

    • Dangerously or uncomfortably near.

      he sat on the edge of the bed, far too close for comfort
      figurative an issue being discussed with a sufferer may be too close for comfort to the counsellor's personal experience
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Instead, he inched closer, too close for comfort.
      • This was too close for comfort for all of us involved.
      • She shifted away from him when he sat on the bed next to her, a little too close for comfort.
      • He had sent me to get a bone scan and it was showing that I had significant bone loss - not quite osteoporosis - but too close for comfort.
      • That was too close for comfort - he had almost given himself away.
      • After some time, the snakes were getting too close for comfort and a couple of the village men frightened them off using long sticks with red cloth tied at one end.
      • More and more we are witnessing hurricanes passing this way, too close for comfort.
      • All he did was take one step, and suddenly, he was too close for comfort.
      • I absolutely refused to go anywhere near the wild dogs - they seemed way too close for comfort.
      • Inside you must know it was too close for comfort.

Derivatives

  • closish

    • adjective
    • Hay-on-Wye is in Powys, Wales, and across the border it's closish to Hereford.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • What an obliging - and closish - family we are.
      • Those are both closish to North Hill.
      • It is closish to where I work, it has a nice shady yard, the main living area is open and airy, it has a huge screened porch where the little furry ladies and I can luxuriate.
      • On foot it is possible to get closish to the herons only after crossing difficult and dangerous fens and is, therefore, wholly inadvisable.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French clos (as noun and adjective), from Latin clausum 'enclosure' and clausus 'closed', past participle of claudere.

Rhymes

appose, arose, Bose, brose, chose, compose, diagnose, self-diagnose, doze, enclose, expose, foreclose, froze, hose, impose, interpose, juxtapose, Montrose, noes, nose, oppose, plainclothes, pose, propose, prose, rose, suppose, those, transpose, underexpose, uprose

close2

verb kləʊzkloʊz

  • 1Move so as to cover an opening.

    no object she jumped on to the train just as the doors were closing
    with object she closed the door quietly
    I kept closing my eyes and nodding off
    they had to close the window because of the insects
    Example sentencesExamples
    • She quickly threw in some books and took some other books out, before closing the locker again.
    • He left and I went around to all the windows and closed all the curtains, like he had asked.
    • Then I ran about the house, madly closing all the windows.
    • The window closed and he came out moments later, dressed in boxers and a baggy t-shirt.
    • I blew out the candles they had left burning last night and closed all the windows.
    • The small figure looking out the window moved back and closed the shades tightly.
    • Clasp your hands together and close your eyes and then say a few words of prayer.
    • He appeared for no more than a minute, and did not speak, before the white curtains at his window were drawn closed.
    • Finally the window closed and after latching it she tiptoed back into bed.
    • Not seeing anything unusual, he pulled his head in and Jon watched as the wide window closed.
    • Looking to the mouth of the alleyway Carl saw the woman in the blue dress climb into the limo and watched as the door closed and the window came down.
    • He flattened his ears, closed his eyes tighter and pretended to snore.
    • Once outside she let the door close behind her and she took a deep breath of the night air.
    • When I heard the door close I moved back farther on the bed to where the pillows were and cried into them.
    • He folded his hands together, closed his eyes, and put his head on his folded hands and started to think.
    • The sunshade on their terrace retracts, the windows close automatically whenever it starts to rain.
    • With doors closing around me, the only path seemed to be the illegal one.
    • She locked all the windows, closed all the blinds, and curled up on the bed, shivering.
    • My table rocked, my lamp fell and went out, and my window closed as if some thief had been surprised and had fled out into the night, shutting it behind him.
    • Doors should be closed and gaps blocked with pillows and sheets, anything to stop the spread of smoke and the occupants should await rescue.
    • In spite of Mrs Major locking all the doors, back and front and closing all the handy windows… they got in.
    • Safely inside, many Americans tried to seal off the house from the night air by closing all the doors and windows.
    • He heard the door close, though not lock, then the soft padding of someone walking towards him.
    Synonyms
    shut, draw to, pull to, push to, slam
    fasten, secure, lock, bolt, bar, latch, padlock
    put up the shutter
    1. 1.1with object Block up (a hole or opening)
      close the hole with a plug of cotton wool
      figurative Stephen closed his ears to the sound
      Example sentencesExamples
      • After we removed the tube from the mound wall, the termites immediately closed the hole.
      • The surgery closes the opening and drains the fluid in the sac.
      • If there's a security hole in a piece of software, the hole can be closed or mitigated.
      • New versions of the software are available that close the holes.
      • Ryan throws the engagement ring into the shaft and closes the opening.
      • The notes were to be played in ascending order by first closing all the holes, and then opening each in quick succession.
      • The animal can completely withdraw its body into its shell, closing the opening with a leathery hood.
      • Mary pressed the phone up hard against her ear, and closed the other one with her other hand.
      • Adjustable iron plates were fitted into the table to close the opening when the saw was adjusted.
      • We patched up the fence and closed the holes.
      • Council taxpayers' money will be used to close the huge hole in Hampshire's local authority pension fund.
      • He performed the first open-heart surgery in the world to close a hole in the heart with the help of a microchip camera.
      • The only solution is surgery to close the hole and reinforce the spot.
      • The Alliance pilots seemed to be a step ahead of him, however, for they were positioning themselves on all sides, closing any safe openings.
      • The authors used a platelet function analyser that timed platelets aggregating into a plug big enough to close a small hole in a membrane.
      • They took the site offline for several hours Thursday to close the hole.
      • Her tongue pokes out with concentration and her face is screwed up in determination as she at last closes the hole.
      • Charlie watched the silhouette of Joe shovel dirt into the grave and close the hole.
      • His body was too weak for the operation and they were unable to close the hole in his brains.
      • This opening is closed by a solid slab of Pakistani onyx, which can be slid in and out of position.
      Synonyms
      block (up/off), stop up, plug, seal (up/off), shut up/off, cork, stopper, bung (up)
      make airtight, make watertight
      fill (up), pack, stuff
      clog (up), choke, obstruct, occlude
      North American stopple
    2. 1.2with object Bring two parts of (something) together so as to block its opening or bring it into a folded state.
      Loretta closed her mouth
      Rex closed the book
      Example sentencesExamples
      • She opened her mouth before closing it and looking at her papers.
      • She hesitated a moment, opening her mouth, but then closing it again.
      • Miri joined her at the table and sat, closing the notebook and folding her hands.
      • I opened my mouth then closed it again, not able to come up with an answer without embarrassing myself.
      • She closed her mouth and brought a cloth to clean up the mess.
      • She brought her hand back to the book and closed it with a finger marking the place.
      • His patience was rewarded after a few minutes when Matt gently put down the book without closing it and sighed.
      • For the same reason, it is customary to kiss a sacred book when closing it and putting it away.
      • Daryl closes his note book and walks over to them.
      • Damien took a last look at the book before closing it.
      • He shrugged, book marking the answer book and closing it, setting aside the rest of the student papers to be corrected later.
      • I clapped the two sides of my book together to close it, hiding the note within its pages.
      • ‘I am,’ said Vilma, closing her diary and folding her arms.
      • She shrieks, opening her mouth, closing it, then shaking her head with slow, ominous intent.
      • I knew my mouth would go dry, and I would just end up opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
      • She closed her lips together when swallowing and dabbed her mouth when necessary to clear any excessive spillage from her lips.
      • Without closing the record book she had been scanning Cale got up and strode anxiously to the main library corridor, then out through the double - doors that formed the entrance.
      • He disagrees with something or is confused, and he makes a move to say something by slightly opening his mouth, then closing it.
      • I said as I rounded up to her as she was closing her Bible and packing away her notes.
      • I looked down and closed my sketch book quickly, hoping he hadn't seen anything.
    3. 1.3close around/overno object Come into contact with (something) so as to encircle and hold it.
      my fist closed around the weapon
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Seeing the look in my eye as I imagined my hands closing around his official collar and tie, he took a step backwards.
      • The nipple is visible again in the next shot as the baby's mouth closes around it.
      • My fingers closed around a thin wrist, and my eyes met those of a boy's my age.
      • His fingers closed around the sinewy handle of the knife the father had shown him, and he lifted it out of the drawer.
      • He died of crush asphyxia after two metal bars under the chair closed around him, trapping his neck and upper chest, a pathologist told the inquest.
      • As his hands closed around a body he realised it was a squab.
      Synonyms
      come together, join, connect, come into contact, unite, form a circle
    4. 1.4with object Make (an electric circuit) continuous.
      this will cause a relay to operate and close the circuit
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In this way, the capsule can open and close an electric circuit depending on the angle at which it is tipped.
      • An electric circuit seemed to close, and a spark flashed forth.
      • Contact of the electrodes with the apoplastic water film was signalled by the closing of the electrical circuit.
      • When the charges connect, effectively closing a circuit, electric energy flows along that jagged path.
      • The circuit closes when the particles reaches the ionosphere, the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere.

  • 2Bring or come to an end.

    with object the members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
    no object the concert closed with ‘Silent Night’
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Nominations close on Friday, August 15 and winners will be announced in December.
    • Light refreshments will be served, with the meeting closing at 8pm.
    • As the meeting closed, Mr Hill talked about his confidence that Bradford would become a better place to live and work.
    • It was to be an early start the next day for filming in the town and lots of props, etc. to get ready, so the meeting closed earlier than usual.
    • Immediately after the polls had closed on Sunday, wrangling began over the formation of a new government in Berlin.
    • After a little wait, Nandor Tanczos made his way on stage to introduce the band, and from opening to closing note I loved every minute of it.
    • Advanced registration for both meetings closes at midnight EDT on May 17, 2004.
    • David Cham gave a warm vote of thanks and the meeting closed.
    • Fist fights ensued before the convention closed, with Eisenhower as the nominee.
    • Polls close at 9pm and results are already being called in five minutes later.
    • The vote for your choice from our Top 50 has now closed - see the result below.
    • The course is open to all corps, nominations close at the end of the year.
    • For these reasons, it was my decision to advise that the case against her be closed at the screening stage…
    • Cliff Bradley gave a warm vote of thanks on behalf of members and the meeting closed.
    • The festival closes at 2pm with words of wisdom from Wigan scriptwriter Paul Finch who will conduct a question and answer session.
    • Refreshments were served by Beatrice and Betty Foster and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
    • The video closes as Favour opens the kiln to show us the finished products, which have been treated with a transparent glaze.
    • When bidding closed, the result was announced by Cllr Jepson following a meeting of full council.
    • And he is already making plans for the next stage of his career after Mamma Mia closes at the end of next year.
    • When the polls closed for the day at 5.30 pm university officials said nearly 5,000 people had cast their votes.
    Synonyms
    end, bring/come to an end, conclude, finish, terminate, wind up, break off, halt, call a halt to, discontinue, dissolve
    adjourn, suspend, prorogue, recess
    1. 2.1no object Finish speaking or writing.
      we close with a point about truth
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In closing, a word of thanks for your tireless efforts in keeping us all informed of the latest UFO sightings.
      • In closing I want to say a few words about my personal work.
      • And now, reader, I am going to close here by a few words of plain application.
      • In closing, I would just like to give a word, or two of advice to the soap producers…
      • I do not intend to take my full 10 minutes on this call, but I want to say a few words in closing as we members of the House speak in the third reading.
      • In closing, I must leave the reader with the same word of caution that I began this section with.
      • Before I close I would like to say a few words about genetic engineering.
      • In closing, I speculate that writing such a book is an unenviable task; it just invites criticism.
      Synonyms
      end, bring to an end, come to an end, conclude, finish, terminate, wind up, break off, halt, call a halt to, discontinue, dissolve
    2. 2.2with object Bring (a business transaction) to a satisfactory conclusion.
      right now we are trying to close the deal with our sponsors
      Example sentencesExamples
      • This plan would see the company allegedly count revenue on the books before deals had actually been closed.
      • That philosophy stood him in good stead last year when he closed the biggest deal of his career to date.
      • Usually the tourists are attracted by the better rate and find out they have been tricked after the deal has been closed.
      • This deal should have been closed at the public market.
      • If the deal had not been closed by this deadline, the BCC would have invited Erste Bank to negotiations.
      • Maybe the real sales pros are out closing deals left and right, trying to stick a fork in the recession.
      • Rumours that the deal was about to be closed began racing through Fleet Street on Tuesday afternoon.
      • I am satisfied that the vendor had satisfied its obligations and was ready to close the transaction.
      • The identity of who the principals were was not in issue so long as a deal could be closed without a vendor take back mortgage.
      Synonyms
      clinch, settle, secure, seal, set the seal on, confirm, guarantee, establish, transact, pull off, bring off/about
      complete, conclude, fix, agree, finalize, shake hands on
      informal wrap up

  • 3no object (of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time.

    the factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
    with object a hoax call which closed the city's stations for 4 hours
    Example sentencesExamples
    • International travel would be stopped, schools closed and large public gatherings banned.
    • The spokesman said the post office would stay closed until further notice.
    • Ricci attempted to visit Peking in 1595 but found the city closed to foreigners.
    • It was raining, and most businesses had closed early to allow people to attend the rally.
    • Most nurseries closed to the public in the winter months.
    • If the strike goes ahead it could see schools close, council services disrupted and hospitals affected.
    • Saving the business meant closing 550 of the 600 shops with the loss of thousands of jobs, a decision she says was one of the hardest she has had to take.
    • Protesters claim problems started after the motel business closed.
    • Schools and businesses closed across the country as Poland mourned its national hero.
    • Schools and businesses close at noon each day for two to three hours for a midday meal.
    • The pub building has been unoccupied since the business closed almost two years ago, and had fallen into disrepair.
    • Once they got to the mall, they realized that it was closed for renovation.
    • The most important thing is that while many businesses are closing, we are not.
    • More than 200 children were sent home and the school permanently closed following the outbreak earlier this year.
    • As public transport stops before the clubs close, there are always people needing to get home by taxi.
    • The age-old institution is closing forever next Tuesday due to lack of funds.
    • Other public buildings such as government offices and courts also closed.
    • Shops and businesses in many towns closed to show their solidarity with the protest.
    • The pair are campaigning for the reopening of the small police station, which closed to the public several years ago.
    • The bank remained closed to the public for the rest of the day as investigations continued.
    Synonyms
    cease activity, shut down, close down, cease production, cease operating, come to a halt, cease trading
    fail, collapse, go out of business, crash, go under, go bankrupt, become insolvent, go into receivership, go into liquidation, be liquidated, be wound up, be closed (down), be shut (down)
    informal fold, flop, go broke, go bump, go to the wall, go bust
    1. 3.1with object Remove all the funds from (a bank or building society account) and cease to use it.
      I went to the bank to close an account held by my daughter
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Mrs Smith, who is currently on holiday in Italy, has now closed the account and transferred funds into another.
      • Don't close your existing account and open a new one, or you'll lose your tax-free status!
      • After my card was stolen, I decided to change banks and closed my existing accounts.
      • After 18 months, the husband closed the account and opened an account in his wife's name.
      • You can, however, close the account completely by giving three months notice.
      • If you close the account before the end of the 12 months, you'll be penalised to the tune of one month's interest.
      • You can close the Monthly Saver account at any time without penalty.
      • Ask for new credit cards, and close any existing bank accounts and open new ones.
      • As a sop, bank chiefs agreed to drop the fee for closing a current account - a charge that in effect penalised customers for moving their banking business.
      • But people who have a whole collection of cards that are gathering dust should consider cancelling them and closing the accounts.
      • On the last banking day of the year he planned to close the joint bank account, and give his lover a weekly allowance in cash.
      • Don't close the account, however, because you want to keep the credit established.
      • In many cases the account may have been closed years ago or may have been held by a person who is now deceased.
      • The account will be closed shortly and the cheque handed over to the hospice.
      • He has cut up the credit card and closed his bank accounts.
      • When customers move banks, they do not always close the old account.
      • I have delayed closing his bank account - it just hurt too much.
      • Eventually, I got around to closing my account and the encouragements to spend stopped.
      • She closed her account in frustration over the poor performance of her portfolio.
      • Our organisation has been trying to close our current account and transfer these funds to another bank, but to no avail.
    2. 3.2Computing with object Make (a file) inaccessible after use, so that it is securely stored until required again.
      a statement is used to close a data file
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Once students close the computer file containing the test, the results of the exam are locked in and can't be changed.
      • Once the last open descriptor to the file is closed, the file will no longer be accessible.

  • 4no object Gradually get nearer to someone or something.

    they plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
    he tried to walk faster, but each time the man closed up on him again
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Both of them had taken the weekend off to spend some time together before their wedding, which was only 4 months away, and closing fast.
    • They were closing fast, but Justin was only ten feet from the door.
    • But one of the heavy cruisers was maneuvering to intercept them, and was closing fast.
    • The enemy task force was only a half-klick away and closing fast.
    • They were less than fifty yards out and closing fast by the time everyone was up from under ground.
    • By his estimate the Alliance starfighters were about two minutes away but closing fast.
    • Fergal Lynch, who is closing fast on his maiden century of winners, takes the mount on Gaelic Princess, who is expected to have too much speed for her rivals.
    • Jenson, it must have been frustrating feeling you couldn't go any faster and he was closing on you relentlessly.
    • If an opposing guard is closing fast for a layup, let her go.
    • As I turned my head forward, I spied a large, white bird at my 1 o'clock position and closing fast.
    • At this point the battleship King George V was only 200 miles away and closing fast.
    • The Colombian's Williams is now closing fast on Button's BAR in fifth place.
    • The boat was on our starboard quarter, a couple of miles out and closing.
    • Ten minutes had gone and the Kilkenny boys had yet to threaten the Offaly goal, St Brendanís were closing and closing fast.
    • With 35 minutes of the race to go, the Saleen was just 30 sec behind Brabham and closing fast enough to be right on his tail in the final ten minutes.
    • He has a knife… he's stabbing people with it… and he's closing on you fast.
    • In the distance, but closing fast, he heard the sound of an engine.
    • A few of the faster Predators were already closing on the small fleet of Nemesis ships.
    • The attacker is still running at him, perhaps ten yards away and closing fast, reaching for knives at his belt with each hand.
    • He threw the throttle to ninety percent, closing fast on his quarry.
    Synonyms
    catch up, creep up, near, approach, gain on someone, draw nearer/near, get nearer/near, come nearer/near, draw closer/close, get closer/close, come closer/close
    narrow, lessen, grow/become/make smaller, dwindle, diminish, reduce, shrink, contract, constrict, get/become/make narrower
    archaic straiten
noun kləʊzkloʊz

  • 1The end of an event or of a period of time or activity.

    the afternoon drew to a close
    the seminar was brought to a close with a discussion of future trends
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The summer may be drawing to a close, but York Racecourse has still been pulling the crowds for its September meeting.
    • The spirited crowd were said to be still dancing the night away when the ball drew to a close at 1 am.
    • After the national close of the campaign on August 12 the initiative will not be forgotten.
    • There is a lot to reflect on these days as the year draws to a close.
    • The five-year project, which has disrupted many communities in Bradford, will draw to a close at the end of the year.
    • It can be the year when we draw to a close this sorry chapter in our treatment of those with disabilities.
    • Yet once our trip had come to a close we were left with the knowledge that when you really put your mind to some thing you can accomplish anything.
    • We couldn't have known it at the time, but eight years of unparalleled success were about to draw to a close.
    • The incident was brought to a close at midnight when the man came down from the roof.
    • It's the return of the ice that you have to watch out for, and it was back with a vengeance as October came to a close.
    • His desperate financial woes, it seems, will finally be coming to a close.
    • The intense planning and preparing over many weeks, even months, is now drawing a close.
    • Many of those rights found legal expression at the close of the eighteenth century.
    • By the time their set was coming to a close the band had the audience eating out of their hands.
    • A most enjoyable night was had by all and at the close a minimum of €1,000 had been raised.
    • It was only when my voice gave out completely that the day had to draw to a close.
    • Now it appears the national herd may end up as low as 450,000-480,000 by the close of 2002.
    • This will bring to a close what was probably the most concentrated fund raising drive the parish has ever seen.
    • I have been with the company for 12 years and I feel that my time has come to a close.
    • As my excited nerves calmed down, the interview wound its way to a close.
    Synonyms
    end, finish, conclusion, termination, cessation, completion
    culmination, finale, resolution, climax, denouement
    informal wind-up
    1. 1.1the close The end of a day's trading on a stock market.
      by the close the Dow Jones average was down 13.52 points at 2,759.84
      Example sentencesExamples
      • If big news breaks after the close of trading, a late trade can land a quick profit - or avoid a big loss.
      • The Dow had fallen more than 69 points in late trading before recovering at the close.
      • The company's share price then finished at a new low of 2.7 cents at the close of trade yesterday.
      • It will also look closely into whether brokers handle orders near the close of the market fairly.
      • Say a customer wanted to find out how many transactions it could run before the close of the stock market on a given day.
      • Therefore, the real value of the mutual fund may be quite different from the calculated value at the close of the trading day.
      • The termination is expected to occur after the close of trading on May 28.
      • Shares in the club were 1.5 pence higher at 286.5 pence by the close of trade in London on Thursday.
      • Shares fell around three per cent at the close of trading yesterday.
      • When the pros are more bullish than amateurs, the pros will drive prices higher all day and into the close.
      • In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index is showing a fall of about 0.9 percent near the close.
    2. 1.2the close The end of a day's play in a cricket match.
      at the close, Lancashire were 129 for 3
      Example sentencesExamples
      • By the close of the fourth day they were 37 for 5, Ellison taking four in 15 balls.
      • They had added an unbeaten 28 for the third wicket by the close.
      • But the decision looked to be a good one, for at the close of play Derbyshire had reached 311 for four.
      • The declaration came with an hour of the fourth day remaining, and England grabbed the big wicket of Graeme Smith before the close.
      • No more wickets fell before the close and Jaques ended unbeaten on 67.
    3. 1.3Music The conclusion of a phrase; a cadence.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • As Consequence Music flies by, it continues to resound as it fades away in the distance when Rotifer gently brings it to a perfect close.
      • The orchestra takes its own stance leading the soloist towards an exciting close.
      • A double bar, usually with repeat marks, signifies the close of the first main section.

  • 2The shutting of something, especially a door.

    the door jerked to a close behind them
    Example sentencesExamples
    • He extends his hand toward the metal door, bringing it slamming to a close.
    • The music faded as the door swung to a close behind me.
    • The door came to a close behind me.

Phrasal Verbs

  • close down (or close something down)

    • 1Cease or cause to cease business or operation, especially permanently.

      the government promised to close down the nuclear plants within twenty years
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Britain's ageing nuclear power stations will have to be closed down soon.
      • I am thinking very hard about closing my businesses down because of it.
      • Since then a large number of operating plants were closed down.
      • If you fail to follow the rules your business will be closed down permanently.
      • The old facilities were closed down and are not in operation any more.
      • Following the latest vandalism attack on Dungarvan's Day Care Centre, there are increasing fears that management may be forced to close it down permanently.
      • However, it would not be difficult to close the company down should it break its commitment, he said.
      • Seven of our 10 hospital theatres have been closed down because we do not have any money to do operations.
      • They had closed many cinemas down and were dismantling projectors for scrap.
      • I suspect that those people will stay at home, and a lot of those businesses will be closed down as a result.
      • On current plans, over the next two decades, the UK will lose around nine gigawatts of generation capacity, as the old nuclear reactors are closed down.
      Synonyms
      close, shut down, cease activity, cease production, cease operating, come to a halt, cease trading
      1. 1.1British (of a broadcasting station) end transmission until the next day.
        the BBC closed down for the rest of the day
        Example sentencesExamples
        • The station closed down at midnight.
        • I remember watching the television continuously for the rest of the evening until it closed down for the night.
        • ITV cancelled their programmes for the rest of the evening and some regions actually closed down.
        • Of the five terrestrial channels BBC 1 and ITV close down when it gets a bit late.

  • close in

    • 1Come nearer to someone being pursued.

      the police were closing in on them
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But aware the police were closing in on them, they bolted, leaving fingerprints on cups and the Monopoly set that police then used in their forensic investigation.
      • Hurricane Rita is tonight closing in on the Texas - Louisiana coast with 125-mile-an-hour winds.
      • He believes the police are closing in on his family and is afraid to go home.
      • Gardai are closing in on a ruthless criminal family suspected of targeting prison officers in a vicious campaign of attacks and intimidation in Limerick.
      • With American troops quickly closing in, surrounding him on three sides, Weatherford's only escape was a bluff above the wintry Alabama River.
      • Listening to them on the other side of their lead-lined protective barrier was like listening to a bombing crew closing in on its target.
      • Police said yesterday they were closing in on the alleged rapist, who is believed to have attacked more than a dozen women in south Trinidad over the past few months.
      • With the rebels closing in on the sprawling capital, many feared a battle for control between them and the president's militant supporters.
      • Creditors were closing in on Mr Smith, who owed up to £450,000.
      • The FBI is believed to be closing in on him and think he still lives in the US.
      • Detectives today believe they are closing in on a man described as a ‘real danger to women’ after receiving leads from the public.
      1. 1.1Gradually surround, especially with the effect of hindering movement or vision.
        the weather has now closed in so an attempt on the summit is unlikely
        Example sentencesExamples
        • The sun was setting now and darkness was closing in.
        • She couldn't keep her eyes open anymore, the darkness closing in around her vision.
        • The darkness closed in on her, trapping her in profuse exhaustion and a dull throbbing pain.
        • For a long time he sat staring at him, night slowly closing in as his thoughts surrounded him.
        • Darkness was closing in and the rain beginning to fall as we drove up the long, tree lined road to the gates of Ham House.
        • Deeper in the cave, the walls close in, darkness enfolds us, and we switch on our headlamps.
        • The darkness seemed to close in around him like a noxious cloud.
        • Finally we reach the visitor centre with darkness closing in, and as the engines are cut, an eerie silence falls again over the park.
        • Walkers and shoppers, particularly as darkness closes in can be seen pausing to have a closer look at the array of lights, Santa's and Christmas items.
        • Her head swims, the nausea closing in on her the way it does, fast, with light pulsing at the sides of her face, a fanning heat.
      2. 1.2(of days) get successively shorter with the approach of the winter solstice.
        November was closing in
        Example sentencesExamples
        • It's sure to be a winner with the nights closing in hard for the Winter.
        • When trekking over mountains became too difficult and winter was closing in, the need to abandon personal possessions to speed up travel became imperative.
        • But, with dark winter evenings closing in, there are still no signs up, and no evidence of any work on a pedestrian refuge.
        • Winter may be closing in fast, but not all sailors are prepared to call it a day just yet and several clubs are running race series, which take them through into the New Year.
        • Now that half term is over and with winter closing in again, your thoughts may be turning to summer holidays.
        • As the winter closes in and daylight vanishes, so does the plot.
        • With winter closing in, does someone in your family suffer from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder?
        • And presumably it's already pretty cold and winter is closing in?
        • The sports centre has re-opened it's doors for the new season and with the nights closing in and Winter almost upon us it's sure to be a virtual hive of activity until the Spring comes around.
        • When winter closes in, it gets easy to raid the refrigerator but hard to face the scale.

  • close something out

    • Bring something to an end.

      Steve tried to close out the conversation
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Last year we tended to sit back instead of closing the game out and getting the bonus.
      • Project Managers make extra efforts in codifying the mistakes made and corrective steps taken before any project is closed out.
      • Thus, users have a total system that works from start to finish to automate the entire process from bidding the job to building the job to closing the job out.
      • I'm now reviewing all the open items on my to-do list at work and closing things out.
      • Four times, three in the second half, Kerry led by five points and playing with an appreciable wind should really have closed the game out.
      • I always look forward to closing activities out, getting them finished.
      • And the odd part is she never calls the police after this and in fact arranges to meet with him again the next day to sort of close this relationship out.
      • Earl has really done a great job closing games out for us because of how well he shoots the ball and finishes shots for us.
      • The lads just aren't experienced at closing games out so it's my job to work on that.
      • Track seven closes the album out with a beautiful, low-key ambient piece.

  • close up

    • 1Stop using or operating a business or building.

      the solicitor advised me to close the house up for the time being
      Example sentencesExamples
      • ‘He stopped betting as the bookies closed up shop after the police decided to crack down on gambling,’ she explained.
      • Like I said, I'm this close to closing this business up.
      • The management company came by and ‘closed them up.’
      • Heritage listing, however, does not imply that a place would be closed up and treated as a museum piece.
      • Sometime in the middle of last year, the business pulled the plug - literally - and closed up shop.
      • Two houses have been closed up for the winter already.
      • A newly paved road, financed by remittances, leads to a virtual ghost town where more than half the homes are closed up.

    • 2(of an opening) grow smaller or become blocked by something.

      she felt her throat close up
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His throat closed up, his eyes filled with tears, his face flushed with anger and sorrow mixed.
      • If the hole closes up, the sinus can potentially become infected and fill up with pus again.
      • I felt my throat closing up, my palms getting sweaty.
      • My throat was closing up, and my heart thudded loudly in my chest.
      • He felt his throat close up, his heart stop, gooseflesh creep up every inch of his skin.
      • I choked on my own tears, and my throat closed up.
      • She could feel her throat closing up and knew she was going to start crying any moment.
      • My throat began to close up as I struggled not to break down in tears.
      • She couldn't breathe; her throat was closing up.
      • Her throat was closing up, she could not swallow or breathe, and within five minutes she had lost consciousness.

    • (of a person's face) become blank and emotionless or hostile.

      he didn't like her laughter and his face closed up angrily
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Peter turned away from him, his expression closing up.
      • His face closed up and he looked away from her, towards the forest.
      • She breaks off, her face closing up, her eyes darting away.

  • close up

    • 1Stop using or operating a business or building.

      the solicitor advised me to close the house up for the time being
      Example sentencesExamples
      • ‘He stopped betting as the bookies closed up shop after the police decided to crack down on gambling,’ she explained.
      • Like I said, I'm this close to closing this business up.
      • The management company came by and ‘closed them up.’
      • Heritage listing, however, does not imply that a place would be closed up and treated as a museum piece.
      • Sometime in the middle of last year, the business pulled the plug - literally - and closed up shop.
      • Two houses have been closed up for the winter already.
      • A newly paved road, financed by remittances, leads to a virtual ghost town where more than half the homes are closed up.

    • 2(of an opening) grow smaller or become blocked by something.

      she felt her throat close up
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His throat closed up, his eyes filled with tears, his face flushed with anger and sorrow mixed.
      • If the hole closes up, the sinus can potentially become infected and fill up with pus again.
      • I felt my throat closing up, my palms getting sweaty.
      • My throat was closing up, and my heart thudded loudly in my chest.
      • He felt his throat close up, his heart stop, gooseflesh creep up every inch of his skin.
      • I choked on my own tears, and my throat closed up.
      • She could feel her throat closing up and knew she was going to start crying any moment.
      • My throat began to close up as I struggled not to break down in tears.
      • She couldn't breathe; her throat was closing up.
      • Her throat was closing up, she could not swallow or breathe, and within five minutes she had lost consciousness.

    • (of a person's face) become blank and emotionless or hostile.

      he didn't like her laughter and his face closed up angrily
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Peter turned away from him, his expression closing up.
      • His face closed up and he looked away from her, towards the forest.
      • She breaks off, her face closing up, her eyes darting away.

  • close with

    • Come near, especially so as to engage with (an enemy force)

      their only hope was to close with the enemy
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But they have also been unsuccessful in closing with the enemy.
      • Maintaining weapons standoff and preventing enemy infantry from closing with the defending unit can overcome a lack of infantry support.
      • However, just as a leader that has never been in combat must train his unit to shoot, move, and communicate in battle, he must also train them to deal with the repercussions they will feel after closing with and destroying the enemy.
      • Fortunately, combat arms units have means available to replicate and introduce men to the fear, anxiety, and adrenaline associated with closing with and destroying the enemy.
      • How easy would it be for an infantryman to lose that focus and revert to his mindset of closing with and destroying the enemy?
      • In order to gain time, closing with the enemy should proceed at maximum speed.
      • Ground forces have the ability to render a decisive outcome by closing with and destroying enemy forces.
      • In 1665, as the English fleet closed with the enemy, two of his shipmates had premonitions of death.
      • Troops have traditionally been encouraged to roar when closing with the enemy, particularly to increase shock when springing an ambush.
      • The only answer is to repackage the forces we currently have into a joint force that is capable of strategic maneuver, engaging the enemy from land, air and sea, and closing with and destroying him.

Derivatives

  • closable

    • adjective
    • The front panel features two USB 2 ports and a single FireWire connector behind a closable port door.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The Millennium Stadium avoids climatic crassness by being the first one in the UK to have a roof that can be completely closable over the pitch.
      • The conical shape of the structure makes it stable in the high winds that often blow briskly across the Great Plains, and closable smoke flaps keep driving rains outside.
      • I recommend installing closable vents for the crawl space.
      • The container is ‘durable, stable, closable, leak and puncture resistant, facilitates one-hand disposal, with guards that prevent hands from entering.’

Origin

Middle English: from Old French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere 'to shut'.

adj.1
phr.
verb.1
phr.v.
 
 

close1

adjectivekloʊsklōs

  • 1A short distance away or apart in space or time.

    the hotel is close to the sea
    her birthday and her wedding date were close together
    the months of living in close proximity to her were taking their toll
    Example sentencesExamples
    • When the officer was close enough he reached out and grabbed Danny's ankles tight, pulling him forward.
    • As he sits down in the family's small room, explosions can be heard from a close neighbourhood.
    • Her warm body was so close, his hands around that slim waist were gently squeezing and caressing her.
    • Even those working in towns are usually close enough to go home for lunch, as do farmers.
    • Sometimes two different logging roads are close enough to be within radio range.
    • If you don't like the weather this winter, a change is as close as your nearest airport.
    • In the small, tight world of the judo competitor your opponent is very close, at arms length or less.
    • Louisa takes off and does the same, with Grace following in close pursuit.
    • I was pretty close, though I still couldn't see the skyline of New York.
    • It is much smoother and more intimate than the ballroom tango, with the couple's upper bodies close together and lower bodies apart.
    • A few people, almost invariably working in close proximity to birds, have been infected and become seriously ill.
    • When moving home last summer we made sure our new house was close to a good primary school.
    • Indeed the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow Retail Park and the town centre are very close.
    • The Sentinel banked and turned to line up with their relatively close destination.
    • A move to the village would give the Duchess her independence while allowing her daughters to be in close proximity to their father.
    • If you decide not to allow smoking in the reception area, how close is the nearest place for a smoker to go?
    • I could hardly tell exactly what it was, but it was very close and was a highly concentrated light.
    • Our guide kept moving at the same pace, and didn't turn back to face us, or give us any sign that our destination was close at hand.
    • A car park facility in close proximity to it would be a considerable advantage to the many people who visit it on a regular basis.
    • Tessa cooks the evening meal, but the nearest town is close if clients wish to eat out occasionally.
    Synonyms
    near, adjacent, in close proximity, close at hand, near at hand
    1. 1.1 With very little or no space in between; dense.
      cloth with a closer weave
      this work occupies over 1,300 pages of close print
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It was slow work, for the trees were close, and in places dense with the bare vines and stalks of undergrowth.
      • He pulled out a sheet of thin blue paper covered in close type.
      • If the agreement is in writing it may be in very close print on the back of a delivery docket or ticket.
      Synonyms
      dense, compact, tight, close-packed, tightly packed, packed, solid, condensed, compressed, concentrated
    2. 1.2 Narrowly enclosed.
      animals in close confinement
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Sows in close confinement on concrete have a higher incidence of injuries to feet.
      • In this narrow and close environment it became inevitable that Brenda and Henry should clash.
      • The tiny but sturdy craft was tossed precariously by the rip tides created in the close waterway.
    3. 1.3close topredicative Very near to (being or doing something)
      on a good day the climate in LA is close to perfection
      she was close to tears
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Specialist poultry breeders are close to ruin because of the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
      • He was close to tears in breaking the news to me over the telephone.
      • I had a low point towards the end of last season and that is why I was close to leaving the club, but now I am at my best ever level.
      • There were several occasions when they acted so stupidly, I came close to shouting at the screen in frustration.
      • The attempt nearly succeeded as he was close to being able to get his head through the hole.
      • He might well go close to emulating his feat on the course last week when he won four races on the card.
      • He said the situation had got so bad that many drivers were close to breaking point.
      • The tragedy of the situation is how close the company has come to being a financially sound airline.
      • ‘I wouldn't say the club came close to closing over the last seven years, but we have had some very trying moments, particularly last season,’ he states.
      Synonyms
      on the verge of, near, on the brink of, on the point of, within an ace of, in danger of
    4. 1.4 (with reference to a competitive situation) won or likely to be won by only a small amount or distance.
      the race will be a close contest
      she finished a close second
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I hope the matches this week are close, competitive and courteous.
      • This was a very close and exciting game with a large number of supporters crowding the field to cheer on their teams.
      • It was a close contest, without doubt, and both men deserve credit for a decent heavyweight championship bout.
      • This was close fight and would have been even tighter without the points deducted.
      • If the large crowd thought that the first half was a close contest the second half was to be an even closer affair.
      • After a close fight, the crowd becomes frustrated to hear the official verdict.
      • The 1973 legislative elections were very close, and the vote of the right was squeezed by the left as its realignment paid off.
      • I remember once backing a horse called Tied Cottage for the Irish National, which came second in a very close race.
      • While Stevens built up a comfortable lead by the end of the race, behind him the competition for podium places was exceptionally close.
      • The South Yorkshire club has won the League Championship more than any other side in recent years so a close contest can be expected.
      • In the county juvenile championships there was plenty of excitement and some very close contests.
      • While she was pleased with the result she was also relieved at having come through after such a close contest.
      • A meeting between these two sides are always very close and tight and this clash will be no different.
      • It was a close competition as there was so much artistic talent on display on the day.
      • This left the overall result very close, but the winner was Steve Mascari with a total of 31 pts.
      • This was a very close contest all through with never more than a point or two between the teams at any time.
      • It will be a different kind of challenge from previous races, with really close racing in a big pack of cars.
      • The layout of the track lends itself to tight, close racing which is always good for the fans.
      • The tight 1.5 mile circuit promises close racing action for all four classes of cars.
      • But I am conscious of the fact that we lost all three matches by very narrow margins and winning the close matches becomes a habit.
      • It's going to be a close contest.
      • In a fixture which has historically been a close contest, the Blues scored ten tries as their backs tore Loughborough apart.
      Synonyms
      evenly matched, even, well matched

  • 2attributive Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling.

    the family history of cancer in close relatives
    Example sentencesExamples
    • I have been through this and seen close family members go through it.
    • Saying a final farewell to the Princess, who died last Saturday aged 71, were her close family as well as many friends.
    • Lizzie Murphy spoke to two Yorkshire families which lost close relatives in the tsunami disaster
    • I could only imagine how it would feel to have a close member of your family talked about in that way.
    • Apparently Colin wants his close family to be involved in the birth and upbringing of his child.
    • Now children who have lost a parent or a close family member are being offered the chance to meet up with others who understand their suffering.
    • People who have cars and trucks gather basic things and flee with their family members and close relatives.
    • I can't help thinking about all those mothers and fathers and children who lost close family.
    • Only she and her close family knew what she had been through to get back to the very top.
    • Jeanne, who had no children or surviving close family, was profoundly deaf and also had learning difficulties.
    • Her close family were given a dose of antibiotics as a precaution, but most cases of the disease occur in isolation.
    • They generally aspire only to the sorts of jobs done by their parents and close relatives.
    • On one of our chats he told me that he did not want to have another stroke as he had no children or close family.
    • None of the close family has accepted offers of counselling.
    • My math teacher lost her entire close family, and was very seriously injured.
    • He told only close family that he had chest trouble and used an inhaler.
    • Some of you may get a windfall: property or a vehicle from parents or close relatives.
    • Orphaned at 13 but not left homeless, he was supported by close family.
    • He wanted to come down to Kent to be nearer his close family and it was a shock when he died so soon afterwards.
    • The marriage itself was in a Catholic Church, thousands of miles from home, with none of her close family in attendance.
    Synonyms
    immediate, direct, near
    1. 2.1 (of a person or relationship) on very affectionate or intimate terms.
      they had always been very close, with no secrets at all
      Example sentencesExamples
      • From a professional friendship, their relationship has evolved into a close intimate friendship.
      • I'm close to all my children, but Rupert and I were especially close.
      • Sanjay himself is not a great party-goer; he prefers small gatherings with a few close friends.
      • The two of them had been close since childhood, and he had had a lifelong crush on her.
      • Not surprisingly, close friends of his called during the interview to congratulate him on the promotion.
      • You know, I always joked I had a million acquaintances and only a couple of close friends.
      • From 1754 he took up farming but maintained his scientific interests, being on close terms with Joseph Black.
      • You tried to make friends with one of my close and dear friends, who also, as you knew, loved me.
      • My close friend and confidante was my cousin Kitty, the closest to me in age and the only other girl.
      • At the age of 16 a close friend of mine died from drug abuse over a prolonged period.
      • John Morgan, a close friend, said he was shocked by the news but admitted that Charles's health had deteriorated recently.
      • He and his sister were close and her death affected him so strongly that friends initially feared for his own mental health.
      • We're nowhere near as close as we used to be, but I enjoy talking to her all the same.
      • I enjoyed living in the country and valued the close friends I made there.
      • Little by little however, she seemed to get comfortable with the fact that I wanted to be close and intimate with her.
      • I have only told one of my close friends about what happened.
      • I was hardly aware of opening my locker and being surrounded by my pack of close confidants.
      • We're very good friends and very close but he doesn't spare me either.
      Synonyms
      intimate, dear, bosom
    2. 2.2 (of a connection or resemblance) strong.
      the college has close links with many other institutions
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I must stress that I have no close connection with the Choral Union.
      • The competition was dreamed up by staff at the Lowry in response to claims by many visitors that dogs in the pictures bear a close resemblance to their own.
      • He built up a strong party organization with close links to the trade unions.
      • The physiological connection is close enough that surgeons have attempted heart and liver transplants from baboon to human.
      • His father helped build the towers and he felt a close connection to them.
      • The resemblance is so close, that we suppose the latter has been derived from the former.
      • The voice of a mother, unleashed in all its power, bears a close resemblance to thunder.
      • There are places on Earth today that may bear a close resemblance to the Antarctic landform back then.
      • We have very close connections to the community in a way sometimes federal law enforcement does not.
      • My own reputation suffered from his actions, for our close resemblance caused me to be credited with many of them.
      • We also need to recognise the close connection between poverty and crime.
      • They also found a close link between the price of beer and other alcoholic beverages, so all drinkers were losing out in the most expensive areas.
      • They maintain close connections with many of these firms, particularly the top defence companies.
      • Since the prints are made directly from his fine art prints, they offer a very close match.
      • As the creation of the welfare state was high on the agenda of all parties, manifestos bore close resemblance on this point.
      • Foreign firms are also strongly advised to establish close links with their host government and local community.
      • One of them, which she calls baked French toast, bears a close resemblance to a shallow bread and butter pudding.
      • The small population has close links with Brazil across the border.
      • Both moved to the United States many years ago but still maintain close connections with home.
      • They were stunned at the close resemblance and did not seem convinced by my denial.
      Synonyms
      strong, marked, distinct, pronounced

  • 3(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way.

    pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
    we need to keep a close eye on this project
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Despite a lack of wind, racing was close and the umpires were given plenty of cause for close scrutiny.
    • A close investigation of the bags throws up till receipts which make very interesting reading.
    • But a close comparison of the various reports also throws up a number of differences that the BBC will have to explain.
    • The best precautionary measure is close observation of the patient's condition.
    • Doctors said she wakened after the surgery and was being kept under close observation.
    • Today, he can eliminate some of the crime prints just by having a close look at them.
    • What it means is this deserves very careful attention, a very close investigation.
    • Yet, a close analysis of West Brom two summers ago and reveal that all has not changed utterly.
    • This can be a major source of error if you're not keeping close track of what every letter stands for.
    • Again, Leonardo used his method of close observation to study how machines work.
    • But his performance in months ahead will come under close scrutiny.
    • Stocks are moving cautiously higher today as investors keep a close eye on those oil prices.
    • It is, however, a claim that does not bear too much in the way of close scrutiny.
    • But about five per cent of cases in the city had some drug resistance and needed close observation.
    • The Web site now has over eight thousand historical maps available for close examination.
    • A close examination of the group's claims has revealed serious holes.
    • Samuel had to be treated for several infections and was kept under close observation in case his condition changed.
    • At last week's full council meeting she called for close monitoring of the situation by the county council.
    • We'll take a close look at the tightest races across the country with our political panel.
    • Both men were hit by debris from accidents and Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix will be under close scrutiny.
    Synonyms
    careful, detailed, thorough, minute, painstaking, meticulous, assiduous, diligent, rigorous, scrupulous, conscientious, attentive, focused, intent, concentrated, searching, methodical
    vigilant, watchful, keen, alert
    1. 3.1 Carefully guarded.
      his whereabouts are a close secret
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Every year, the Sowdens and the Waites put up their displays on the same day, but keep them a close secret until they are finished.
      • Details are being kept a close secret until press day at the show.
      • The entire operation was kept a close secret.
      • The third part of the trilogy is being kept a close secret.
      • And while this was being sorted out, the brotherhood tried to keep the problem a close secret.
      • They announced the pregnancy in January after their romance had been kept a close secret.
      • The contents of the correspondence are still being kept a close secret and neither side has released any details.
      Synonyms
      carefully guarded, closely guarded, strict, tight
    2. 3.2 Not willing to give away money or information; secretive.
      you're very close about your work, aren't you?
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I've been begging her to let me meet you all for quite some time, but she's kept very close about it.
      • She was quite close with money, and they often had horrendous arguments about spending.
      Synonyms
      reticent, quiet, uncommunicative, unforthcoming, private, secretive, tight-lipped, close-mouthed, close-lipped, guarded, evasive

  • 4Uncomfortably humid or airless.

    a close, hazy day
    it was very close in the dressing room
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The room was close and airless, making a tense situation even more tense.
    • It was in the middle of the afternoon that some people began to notice a change, it began to get close and unseasonably warm.
    • As many as 30,000 people are crammed into close, hot and extremely humid quarters.
    • At weddings and religious ceremonies where attendees were crowded and when the atmosphere was very close, these "portable air conditioners" were in great demand.
    • It looks like being dryer and warmer inland and may be a bit close.
    Synonyms
    humid, muggy, stuffy, airless, fuggy, heavy, sticky, steamy, clammy, sultry, oppressive, stifling, suffocating, like a turkish bath, like a sauna

  • 5Phonetics

    another term for high (sense 7 of the adjective)
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Its vowel height is near-close, which means the tongue is positioned similarly to a close vowel, but slightly less constricted.
    • In the following presentation both the 'open' and the 'close' pronunciation of each of the five vowels is illustrated.
adverbkloʊsklōs

  • In a position so as to be very near to someone or something; with very little space between.

    they stood close to the door
    he was holding her close
    Example sentencesExamples
    • ‘Here, let me help you with these,’ he said, pulling me closer to shore.
    • Marie turned back to Alex with an angry expression, leaning close so that their faces were inches apart.
    • Mom moved up the cot and squeezed next to Mira and held her close.
    • She reached forward and grabbed the hands from the bed and pulled them close to her heart.
    • Her arm quickly pulled him close and she hugged him tight like she'd never let him go.
    • She cried for almost an hour, hugging me close to her chest.
    • She keeps Betsy close as they wade through the crowds at the Statue of Liberty in New York.
    • He smiled and Thomas and I leaned even closer to hear him as his voice dropped with each passing word.
    • He just kissed my cheek and pulled me even closer to his chest.
    • Once Dr. West left the room Vivienne scooted closer to the edge of the bed and patted the empty space.
    • She then proceeded to hold it close to her heart, calling his name.
    • As his hands met along her spine, he briefly pulled her close and held her tight.
    • There was a car following close behind us and I was praying that the airport wouldn't be far away.
    • She squealed, as he moved dangerously close to the edge of the pool.
    • Viewers may try to step closer to the surface of each canvas in search of clues.
    • It is not rude to stare or for persons to crowd one another at counters or stand very close.
    • ‘You shouldn't step so close to the edge,’ I said.
    • Following close behind her, Lily could almost feel Marion breathing on her neck.
    • I saw Val lead the rest of the team around the end of the truck and they followed her close.
    • He loved it when she put her arms around him and hugged him close.
    • Hoss had taken the little boy on his lap, and the other children had crowded close about him.
    • They just weren't strong enough, and the boats were coming uncomfortably close now.

Phrases

  • close by

    • Very near; nearby.

      her father lives quite close by
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He also warned that the centre could affect businesses who might not like the idea of having a recycling centre close by.
      • They now have five children and eight grandchildren, all living close by.
      • She applied for an allotment close by in Camden, only to be told none would be available until 2007.
      • A number of items belonging to him are thought to have been found close by.
      • Had the resident looked out of the window at that precise moment, they would have noticed a van parked close by.
      • She thought it was her husband until she heard a voice muttering close by.
      • Others living close by worked there as care assistants and nurses, or in the kitchens and as cleaners.
      • I live in the city, I have all the restaurants and bars close by and there's a gym at the corner of my street.
      • Lyon International airport is also close by, and you can access the ski resorts very easily in winter.
      • It is one of the only churches in the region without a graveyard adjacent to it or close by.

  • close to (or close on)

    • (of an amount) almost; very nearly.

      he spent close to 30 years in jail
      Example sentencesExamples
      • My band has spent close on a year recording our first album.
      • When you add up both candidates' programmes, they amount to close on $3 trillion each.
      • Before the end of the weekend it is estimated that he lost close to a million pounds in deals.
      • I moved down to Durham, North Carolina and was there for close to 5 months.
      • It made the Mughal army supremely powerful and effective for close on 150 years.

  • close up

    • Very near.

      close up she was no less pretty
      Example sentencesExamples
      • On the web site the hotel looks elegant, and close up it matches that impression very nicely.
      • Close up, he could see her face clearly.
      • One stone, viewed close up, looks like a skull, while another opens into a deep fossil-lined cavern.
      • Close up he was overpoweringly handsome, with hazel to brown eyes and tousled sand coloured hair slightly wet from a shower.
      • Parties of sightseers would be ferried out to sail round the hulks and see the prisons close up.
      • A Japanese tourist is photographing it enthusiastically, first from close up then at a distance.
      • Flowers are colorful and can make beautiful subjects when you're close up and they fill the frame.

  • come close

    • Almost achieve or do.

      he came close to calling the President a liar
      Example sentencesExamples
      • George Orwell nearly killed himself and half his family in its whirlpool, coming close to depriving the world of his last book, 1984.
      • Alexander was the first to dream of world domination and to come close to achieving it.
      • They pressed forward in search of an equalizer, coming close on one occasion.
      • Of course she knew where he was now, knew that he had come close to achieving his lofty goals, and she honoured him for that.
      • The battle for a place in the final roared on like a blazing furnace with both teams coming close to breaking the deadlock.
      • The now ageing boat took a heavy battering struggling into head winds in the Red Sea, and, after coming close to foundering, limped into an Egyptian marina.
      • Whether he can come close to achieving as a manager what he achieved as a player remains to be seen.
      • However their forwards kept plugging away with Michael Long and Brian Carbury coming close to scoring on at least two occasions.
      • To date, almost a month later, his colleagues do not even have a suspect, never mind coming close to making an arrest.
      • It doesn't come close to achieving that target.

  • too close for comfort

    • Dangerously or uncomfortably near.

      the friendly stranger who suddenly comes too close for comfort
      Example sentencesExamples
      • All he did was take one step, and suddenly, he was too close for comfort.
      • She shifted away from him when he sat on the bed next to her, a little too close for comfort.
      • Inside you must know it was too close for comfort.
      • More and more we are witnessing hurricanes passing this way, too close for comfort.
      • This was too close for comfort for all of us involved.
      • He had sent me to get a bone scan and it was showing that I had significant bone loss - not quite osteoporosis - but too close for comfort.
      • After some time, the snakes were getting too close for comfort and a couple of the village men frightened them off using long sticks with red cloth tied at one end.
      • I absolutely refused to go anywhere near the wild dogs - they seemed way too close for comfort.
      • That was too close for comfort - he had almost given himself away.
      • Instead, he inched closer, too close for comfort.

  • close to the wind

    • (of a sailing vessel) pointed as near as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing while still making headway.

      Example sentencesExamples
      • As every good captain knows, a schooner that's sailing a bit too close to the wind often goes slower and runs the risk of being put about on the wrong tack (sailing in the wrong direction).
      • Bill Davison took a course close to the wind, which paid off on the first race.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French clos (as noun and adjective), from Latin clausum ‘enclosure’ and clausus ‘closed’, past participle of claudere.

close2

verbklōzkloʊz

  • 1Move or cause to move so as to cover an opening.

    no object she jumped into the train just as the doors were closing
    with object they had to close the window because of the insects
    Example sentencesExamples
    • My table rocked, my lamp fell and went out, and my window closed as if some thief had been surprised and had fled out into the night, shutting it behind him.
    • Clasp your hands together and close your eyes and then say a few words of prayer.
    • Looking to the mouth of the alleyway Carl saw the woman in the blue dress climb into the limo and watched as the door closed and the window came down.
    • He folded his hands together, closed his eyes, and put his head on his folded hands and started to think.
    • He heard the door close, though not lock, then the soft padding of someone walking towards him.
    • Doors should be closed and gaps blocked with pillows and sheets, anything to stop the spread of smoke and the occupants should await rescue.
    • The sunshade on their terrace retracts, the windows close automatically whenever it starts to rain.
    • He left and I went around to all the windows and closed all the curtains, like he had asked.
    • She quickly threw in some books and took some other books out, before closing the locker again.
    • Then I ran about the house, madly closing all the windows.
    • I blew out the candles they had left burning last night and closed all the windows.
    • With doors closing around me, the only path seemed to be the illegal one.
    • Once outside she let the door close behind her and she took a deep breath of the night air.
    • He appeared for no more than a minute, and did not speak, before the white curtains at his window were drawn closed.
    • She locked all the windows, closed all the blinds, and curled up on the bed, shivering.
    • When I heard the door close I moved back farther on the bed to where the pillows were and cried into them.
    • Safely inside, many Americans tried to seal off the house from the night air by closing all the doors and windows.
    • He flattened his ears, closed his eyes tighter and pretended to snore.
    • The window closed and he came out moments later, dressed in boxers and a baggy t-shirt.
    • Not seeing anything unusual, he pulled his head in and Jon watched as the wide window closed.
    • Finally the window closed and after latching it she tiptoed back into bed.
    • The small figure looking out the window moved back and closed the shades tightly.
    • In spite of Mrs Major locking all the doors, back and front and closing all the handy windows… they got in.
    Synonyms
    shut, draw to, pull to, push to, slam
    1. 1.1with object Block up (a hole or opening)
      figurative Stephen closed his ears to the sound
      glass doors close off the living room from the hall
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The surgery closes the opening and drains the fluid in the sac.
      • New versions of the software are available that close the holes.
      • The only solution is surgery to close the hole and reinforce the spot.
      • Mary pressed the phone up hard against her ear, and closed the other one with her other hand.
      • His body was too weak for the operation and they were unable to close the hole in his brains.
      • After we removed the tube from the mound wall, the termites immediately closed the hole.
      • The animal can completely withdraw its body into its shell, closing the opening with a leathery hood.
      • They took the site offline for several hours Thursday to close the hole.
      • Charlie watched the silhouette of Joe shovel dirt into the grave and close the hole.
      • Council taxpayers' money will be used to close the huge hole in Hampshire's local authority pension fund.
      • If there's a security hole in a piece of software, the hole can be closed or mitigated.
      • Her tongue pokes out with concentration and her face is screwed up in determination as she at last closes the hole.
      • This opening is closed by a solid slab of Pakistani onyx, which can be slid in and out of position.
      • We patched up the fence and closed the holes.
      • Adjustable iron plates were fitted into the table to close the opening when the saw was adjusted.
      • Ryan throws the engagement ring into the shaft and closes the opening.
      • He performed the first open-heart surgery in the world to close a hole in the heart with the help of a microchip camera.
      • The authors used a platelet function analyser that timed platelets aggregating into a plug big enough to close a small hole in a membrane.
      • The Alliance pilots seemed to be a step ahead of him, however, for they were positioning themselves on all sides, closing any safe openings.
      • The notes were to be played in ascending order by first closing all the holes, and then opening each in quick succession.
      Synonyms
      block, block off, block up, stop up, plug, seal, seal off, seal up, shut off, shut up, cork, stopper, bung, bung up
    2. 1.2with object Bring two parts of (something) together so as to block its opening or bring it into a folded state.
      Loretta closed her mouth
      Ron closed the book
      Example sentencesExamples
      • He shrugged, book marking the answer book and closing it, setting aside the rest of the student papers to be corrected later.
      • I looked down and closed my sketch book quickly, hoping he hadn't seen anything.
      • She hesitated a moment, opening her mouth, but then closing it again.
      • She closed her lips together when swallowing and dabbed her mouth when necessary to clear any excessive spillage from her lips.
      • She shrieks, opening her mouth, closing it, then shaking her head with slow, ominous intent.
      • I clapped the two sides of my book together to close it, hiding the note within its pages.
      • Without closing the record book she had been scanning Cale got up and strode anxiously to the main library corridor, then out through the double - doors that formed the entrance.
      • She opened her mouth before closing it and looking at her papers.
      • He disagrees with something or is confused, and he makes a move to say something by slightly opening his mouth, then closing it.
      • For the same reason, it is customary to kiss a sacred book when closing it and putting it away.
      • I opened my mouth then closed it again, not able to come up with an answer without embarrassing myself.
      • I knew my mouth would go dry, and I would just end up opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
      • Miri joined her at the table and sat, closing the notebook and folding her hands.
      • She brought her hand back to the book and closed it with a finger marking the place.
      • His patience was rewarded after a few minutes when Matt gently put down the book without closing it and sighed.
      • I said as I rounded up to her as she was closing her Bible and packing away her notes.
      • ‘I am,’ said Vilma, closing her diary and folding her arms.
      • Daryl closes his note book and walks over to them.
      • She closed her mouth and brought a cloth to clean up the mess.
      • Damien took a last look at the book before closing it.
    3. 1.3close around/overno object Come into contact with (something) so as to encircle and hold it.
      my fist closed around the weapon
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Seeing the look in my eye as I imagined my hands closing around his official collar and tie, he took a step backwards.
      • He died of crush asphyxia after two metal bars under the chair closed around him, trapping his neck and upper chest, a pathologist told the inquest.
      • As his hands closed around a body he realised it was a squab.
      • My fingers closed around a thin wrist, and my eyes met those of a boy's my age.
      • His fingers closed around the sinewy handle of the knife the father had shown him, and he lifted it out of the drawer.
      • The nipple is visible again in the next shot as the baby's mouth closes around it.
      Synonyms
      come together, join, connect, come into contact, unite, form a circle
    4. 1.4with object Make (an electric circuit) continuous.
      this will cause a relay to operate and close the circuit
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The circuit closes when the particles reaches the ionosphere, the outer layer of the earth's atmosphere.
      • In this way, the capsule can open and close an electric circuit depending on the angle at which it is tipped.
      • When the charges connect, effectively closing a circuit, electric energy flows along that jagged path.
      • An electric circuit seemed to close, and a spark flashed forth.
      • Contact of the electrodes with the apoplastic water film was signalled by the closing of the electrical circuit.

  • 2Bring or come to an end.

    with object the members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
    no object the concert closed with “Silent Night”
    Example sentencesExamples
    • When the polls closed for the day at 5.30 pm university officials said nearly 5,000 people had cast their votes.
    • Refreshments were served by Beatrice and Betty Foster and the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
    • For these reasons, it was my decision to advise that the case against her be closed at the screening stage…
    • It was to be an early start the next day for filming in the town and lots of props, etc. to get ready, so the meeting closed earlier than usual.
    • The vote for your choice from our Top 50 has now closed - see the result below.
    • Advanced registration for both meetings closes at midnight EDT on May 17, 2004.
    • After a little wait, Nandor Tanczos made his way on stage to introduce the band, and from opening to closing note I loved every minute of it.
    • Fist fights ensued before the convention closed, with Eisenhower as the nominee.
    • Cliff Bradley gave a warm vote of thanks on behalf of members and the meeting closed.
    • The video closes as Favour opens the kiln to show us the finished products, which have been treated with a transparent glaze.
    • As the meeting closed, Mr Hill talked about his confidence that Bradford would become a better place to live and work.
    • When bidding closed, the result was announced by Cllr Jepson following a meeting of full council.
    • David Cham gave a warm vote of thanks and the meeting closed.
    • And he is already making plans for the next stage of his career after Mamma Mia closes at the end of next year.
    • The festival closes at 2pm with words of wisdom from Wigan scriptwriter Paul Finch who will conduct a question and answer session.
    • The course is open to all corps, nominations close at the end of the year.
    • Polls close at 9pm and results are already being called in five minutes later.
    • Nominations close on Friday, August 15 and winners will be announced in December.
    • Light refreshments will be served, with the meeting closing at 8pm.
    • Immediately after the polls had closed on Sunday, wrangling began over the formation of a new government in Berlin.
    Synonyms
    end, bring to an end, come to an end, conclude, finish, terminate, wind up, break off, halt, call a halt to, discontinue, dissolve
    1. 2.1no object Finish speaking or writing.
      we close with a point about truth
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In closing, I must leave the reader with the same word of caution that I began this section with.
      • And now, reader, I am going to close here by a few words of plain application.
      • In closing, I would just like to give a word, or two of advice to the soap producers…
      • In closing, I speculate that writing such a book is an unenviable task; it just invites criticism.
      • In closing I want to say a few words about my personal work.
      • In closing, a word of thanks for your tireless efforts in keeping us all informed of the latest UFO sightings.
      • Before I close I would like to say a few words about genetic engineering.
      • I do not intend to take my full 10 minutes on this call, but I want to say a few words in closing as we members of the House speak in the third reading.
      Synonyms
      end, bring to an end, come to an end, conclude, finish, terminate, wind up, break off, halt, call a halt to, discontinue, dissolve
    2. 2.2with object Bring (a business transaction) to a satisfactory conclusion.
      he closed a deal with a metal dealer
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The identity of who the principals were was not in issue so long as a deal could be closed without a vendor take back mortgage.
      • I am satisfied that the vendor had satisfied its obligations and was ready to close the transaction.
      • Rumours that the deal was about to be closed began racing through Fleet Street on Tuesday afternoon.
      • Maybe the real sales pros are out closing deals left and right, trying to stick a fork in the recession.
      • That philosophy stood him in good stead last year when he closed the biggest deal of his career to date.
      • Usually the tourists are attracted by the better rate and find out they have been tricked after the deal has been closed.
      • If the deal had not been closed by this deadline, the BCC would have invited Erste Bank to negotiations.
      • This plan would see the company allegedly count revenue on the books before deals had actually been closed.
      • This deal should have been closed at the public market.
      Synonyms
      clinch, settle, secure, seal, set the seal on, confirm, guarantee, establish, transact, pull off, bring about, bring off

  • 3no object (of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time.

    the factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
    with object the country has been closed to outsiders for almost 50 years
    Example sentencesExamples
    • The age-old institution is closing forever next Tuesday due to lack of funds.
    • The most important thing is that while many businesses are closing, we are not.
    • If the strike goes ahead it could see schools close, council services disrupted and hospitals affected.
    • Shops and businesses in many towns closed to show their solidarity with the protest.
    • The spokesman said the post office would stay closed until further notice.
    • The bank remained closed to the public for the rest of the day as investigations continued.
    • Schools and businesses close at noon each day for two to three hours for a midday meal.
    • Saving the business meant closing 550 of the 600 shops with the loss of thousands of jobs, a decision she says was one of the hardest she has had to take.
    • Once they got to the mall, they realized that it was closed for renovation.
    • The pub building has been unoccupied since the business closed almost two years ago, and had fallen into disrepair.
    • Protesters claim problems started after the motel business closed.
    • As public transport stops before the clubs close, there are always people needing to get home by taxi.
    • Ricci attempted to visit Peking in 1595 but found the city closed to foreigners.
    • It was raining, and most businesses had closed early to allow people to attend the rally.
    • International travel would be stopped, schools closed and large public gatherings banned.
    • Most nurseries closed to the public in the winter months.
    • More than 200 children were sent home and the school permanently closed following the outbreak earlier this year.
    • Schools and businesses closed across the country as Poland mourned its national hero.
    • Other public buildings such as government offices and courts also closed.
    • The pair are campaigning for the reopening of the small police station, which closed to the public several years ago.
    Synonyms
    cease activity, shut down, close down, cease production, cease operating, come to a halt, cease trading
    1. 3.1with object Remove all the funds from (a bank account) and cease to use it.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Don't close your existing account and open a new one, or you'll lose your tax-free status!
      • You can close the Monthly Saver account at any time without penalty.
      • When customers move banks, they do not always close the old account.
      • He has cut up the credit card and closed his bank accounts.
      • Eventually, I got around to closing my account and the encouragements to spend stopped.
      • You can, however, close the account completely by giving three months notice.
      • She closed her account in frustration over the poor performance of her portfolio.
      • The account will be closed shortly and the cheque handed over to the hospice.
      • But people who have a whole collection of cards that are gathering dust should consider cancelling them and closing the accounts.
      • I have delayed closing his bank account - it just hurt too much.
      • Our organisation has been trying to close our current account and transfer these funds to another bank, but to no avail.
      • If you close the account before the end of the 12 months, you'll be penalised to the tune of one month's interest.
      • In many cases the account may have been closed years ago or may have been held by a person who is now deceased.
      • As a sop, bank chiefs agreed to drop the fee for closing a current account - a charge that in effect penalised customers for moving their banking business.
      • Ask for new credit cards, and close any existing bank accounts and open new ones.
      • Mrs Smith, who is currently on holiday in Italy, has now closed the account and transferred funds into another.
      • Don't close the account, however, because you want to keep the credit established.
      • After 18 months, the husband closed the account and opened an account in his wife's name.
      • After my card was stolen, I decided to change banks and closed my existing accounts.
      • On the last banking day of the year he planned to close the joint bank account, and give his lover a weekly allowance in cash.
    2. 3.2Computing with object Make (a data file) inaccessible after use, so that it is securely stored until required again.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Once students close the computer file containing the test, the results of the exam are locked in and can't be changed.
      • Once the last open descriptor to the file is closed, the file will no longer be accessible.

  • 4no object Gradually get nearer to someone or something.

    they plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
    Example sentencesExamples
    • If an opposing guard is closing fast for a layup, let her go.
    • As I turned my head forward, I spied a large, white bird at my 1 o'clock position and closing fast.
    • The attacker is still running at him, perhaps ten yards away and closing fast, reaching for knives at his belt with each hand.
    • With 35 minutes of the race to go, the Saleen was just 30 sec behind Brabham and closing fast enough to be right on his tail in the final ten minutes.
    • The Colombian's Williams is now closing fast on Button's BAR in fifth place.
    • A few of the faster Predators were already closing on the small fleet of Nemesis ships.
    • In the distance, but closing fast, he heard the sound of an engine.
    • But one of the heavy cruisers was maneuvering to intercept them, and was closing fast.
    • Jenson, it must have been frustrating feeling you couldn't go any faster and he was closing on you relentlessly.
    • He has a knife… he's stabbing people with it… and he's closing on you fast.
    • At this point the battleship King George V was only 200 miles away and closing fast.
    • The boat was on our starboard quarter, a couple of miles out and closing.
    • Fergal Lynch, who is closing fast on his maiden century of winners, takes the mount on Gaelic Princess, who is expected to have too much speed for her rivals.
    • They were closing fast, but Justin was only ten feet from the door.
    • He threw the throttle to ninety percent, closing fast on his quarry.
    • By his estimate the Alliance starfighters were about two minutes away but closing fast.
    • Ten minutes had gone and the Kilkenny boys had yet to threaten the Offaly goal, St Brendanís were closing and closing fast.
    • The enemy task force was only a half-klick away and closing fast.
    • Both of them had taken the weekend off to spend some time together before their wedding, which was only 4 months away, and closing fast.
    • They were less than fifty yards out and closing fast by the time everyone was up from under ground.
    Synonyms
    catch up, creep up, near, approach, gain on someone, draw near, draw nearer, get near, get nearer, come near, come nearer, draw close, draw closer, get close, get closer, come close, come closer
    narrow, lessen, become smaller, grow smaller, make smaller, dwindle, diminish, reduce, shrink, contract, constrict, become narrower, get narrower, make narrower
nounklōzkloʊz

  • 1The end of an event or of a period of time or activity.

    the afternoon drew to a close
    Example sentencesExamples
    • There is a lot to reflect on these days as the year draws to a close.
    • The incident was brought to a close at midnight when the man came down from the roof.
    • Now it appears the national herd may end up as low as 450,000-480,000 by the close of 2002.
    • It's the return of the ice that you have to watch out for, and it was back with a vengeance as October came to a close.
    • Yet once our trip had come to a close we were left with the knowledge that when you really put your mind to some thing you can accomplish anything.
    • A most enjoyable night was had by all and at the close a minimum of €1,000 had been raised.
    • His desperate financial woes, it seems, will finally be coming to a close.
    • The five-year project, which has disrupted many communities in Bradford, will draw to a close at the end of the year.
    • The intense planning and preparing over many weeks, even months, is now drawing a close.
    • After the national close of the campaign on August 12 the initiative will not be forgotten.
    • The spirited crowd were said to be still dancing the night away when the ball drew to a close at 1 am.
    • The summer may be drawing to a close, but York Racecourse has still been pulling the crowds for its September meeting.
    • By the time their set was coming to a close the band had the audience eating out of their hands.
    • I have been with the company for 12 years and I feel that my time has come to a close.
    • It can be the year when we draw to a close this sorry chapter in our treatment of those with disabilities.
    • We couldn't have known it at the time, but eight years of unparalleled success were about to draw to a close.
    • It was only when my voice gave out completely that the day had to draw to a close.
    • This will bring to a close what was probably the most concentrated fund raising drive the parish has ever seen.
    • Many of those rights found legal expression at the close of the eighteenth century.
    • As my excited nerves calmed down, the interview wound its way to a close.
    Synonyms
    end, finish, conclusion, termination, cessation, completion
    bring to an end, finish, conclude, close, wind up, terminate, dissolve
    1. 1.1the close The end of a day's trading on a stock market.
      at the close the Dow Jones average was down 13.52 points
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Shares fell around three per cent at the close of trading yesterday.
      • It will also look closely into whether brokers handle orders near the close of the market fairly.
      • The termination is expected to occur after the close of trading on May 28.
      • If big news breaks after the close of trading, a late trade can land a quick profit - or avoid a big loss.
      • The Dow had fallen more than 69 points in late trading before recovering at the close.
      • Say a customer wanted to find out how many transactions it could run before the close of the stock market on a given day.
      • Shares in the club were 1.5 pence higher at 286.5 pence by the close of trade in London on Thursday.
      • In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index is showing a fall of about 0.9 percent near the close.
      • When the pros are more bullish than amateurs, the pros will drive prices higher all day and into the close.
      • Therefore, the real value of the mutual fund may be quite different from the calculated value at the close of the trading day.
      • The company's share price then finished at a new low of 2.7 cents at the close of trade yesterday.
    2. 1.2Music The conclusion of a phrase; a cadence.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • A double bar, usually with repeat marks, signifies the close of the first main section.
      • The orchestra takes its own stance leading the soloist towards an exciting close.
      • As Consequence Music flies by, it continues to resound as it fades away in the distance when Rotifer gently brings it to a perfect close.

  • 2The shutting of something, especially a door.

    the door jerked to a close behind them
    Example sentencesExamples
    • He extends his hand toward the metal door, bringing it slamming to a close.
    • The door came to a close behind me.
    • The music faded as the door swung to a close behind me.

Phrasal Verbs

  • close something down (or close down)

    • Cause to cease or cease business or operation, especially permanently.

      the government promised to close down the nuclear plants within twenty years
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The old facilities were closed down and are not in operation any more.
      • On current plans, over the next two decades, the UK will lose around nine gigawatts of generation capacity, as the old nuclear reactors are closed down.
      • Since then a large number of operating plants were closed down.
      • Following the latest vandalism attack on Dungarvan's Day Care Centre, there are increasing fears that management may be forced to close it down permanently.
      • Britain's ageing nuclear power stations will have to be closed down soon.
      • Seven of our 10 hospital theatres have been closed down because we do not have any money to do operations.
      • They had closed many cinemas down and were dismantling projectors for scrap.
      • However, it would not be difficult to close the company down should it break its commitment, he said.
      • I suspect that those people will stay at home, and a lot of those businesses will be closed down as a result.
      • I am thinking very hard about closing my businesses down because of it.
      • If you fail to follow the rules your business will be closed down permanently.
      Synonyms
      close, shut down, cease activity, cease production, cease operating, come to a halt, cease trading

  • close something out

    • Bring something to an end.

      Steve tried to close out the conversation
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Project Managers make extra efforts in codifying the mistakes made and corrective steps taken before any project is closed out.
      • Earl has really done a great job closing games out for us because of how well he shoots the ball and finishes shots for us.
      • The lads just aren't experienced at closing games out so it's my job to work on that.
      • Thus, users have a total system that works from start to finish to automate the entire process from bidding the job to building the job to closing the job out.
      • I always look forward to closing activities out, getting them finished.
      • Four times, three in the second half, Kerry led by five points and playing with an appreciable wind should really have closed the game out.
      • Last year we tended to sit back instead of closing the game out and getting the bonus.
      • I'm now reviewing all the open items on my to-do list at work and closing things out.
      • Track seven closes the album out with a beautiful, low-key ambient piece.
      • And the odd part is she never calls the police after this and in fact arranges to meet with him again the next day to sort of close this relationship out.

  • close up

    • Very near.

      close up she was no less pretty
      Example sentencesExamples
      • On the web site the hotel looks elegant, and close up it matches that impression very nicely.
      • Close up, he could see her face clearly.
      • One stone, viewed close up, looks like a skull, while another opens into a deep fossil-lined cavern.
      • Close up he was overpoweringly handsome, with hazel to brown eyes and tousled sand coloured hair slightly wet from a shower.
      • Parties of sightseers would be ferried out to sail round the hulks and see the prisons close up.
      • A Japanese tourist is photographing it enthusiastically, first from close up then at a distance.
      • Flowers are colorful and can make beautiful subjects when you're close up and they fill the frame.

  • close something up (or close up)

    • 1Cause to cease or cease operation or being used.

      the broker advised me to close the house up for the time being
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The management company came by and ‘closed them up.’
      • ‘He stopped betting as the bookies closed up shop after the police decided to crack down on gambling,’ she explained.
      • A newly paved road, financed by remittances, leads to a virtual ghost town where more than half the homes are closed up.
      • Two houses have been closed up for the winter already.
      • Sometime in the middle of last year, the business pulled the plug - literally - and closed up shop.
      • Heritage listing, however, does not imply that a place would be closed up and treated as a museum piece.
      • Like I said, I'm this close to closing this business up.

    • 2(of an opening) grow smaller or become blocked by something.

      she felt her throat close up
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I felt my throat closing up, my palms getting sweaty.
      • My throat began to close up as I struggled not to break down in tears.
      • She couldn't breathe; her throat was closing up.
      • His throat closed up, his eyes filled with tears, his face flushed with anger and sorrow mixed.
      • I choked on my own tears, and my throat closed up.
      • He felt his throat close up, his heart stop, gooseflesh creep up every inch of his skin.
      • My throat was closing up, and my heart thudded loudly in my chest.
      • She could feel her throat closing up and knew she was going to start crying any moment.
      • If the hole closes up, the sinus can potentially become infected and fill up with pus again.
      • Her throat was closing up, she could not swallow or breathe, and within five minutes she had lost consciousness.

  • close with

    • Come near, especially so as to engage with (an enemy force).

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Ground forces have the ability to render a decisive outcome by closing with and destroying enemy forces.
      • Troops have traditionally been encouraged to roar when closing with the enemy, particularly to increase shock when springing an ambush.
      • But they have also been unsuccessful in closing with the enemy.
      • In 1665, as the English fleet closed with the enemy, two of his shipmates had premonitions of death.
      • Fortunately, combat arms units have means available to replicate and introduce men to the fear, anxiety, and adrenaline associated with closing with and destroying the enemy.
      • How easy would it be for an infantryman to lose that focus and revert to his mindset of closing with and destroying the enemy?
      • The only answer is to repackage the forces we currently have into a joint force that is capable of strategic maneuver, engaging the enemy from land, air and sea, and closing with and destroying him.
      • Maintaining weapons standoff and preventing enemy infantry from closing with the defending unit can overcome a lack of infantry support.
      • In order to gain time, closing with the enemy should proceed at maximum speed.
      • However, just as a leader that has never been in combat must train his unit to shoot, move, and communicate in battle, he must also train them to deal with the repercussions they will feel after closing with and destroying the enemy.

  • close in (on)

    • 1Come nearer to someone being pursued.

      the police were closing in on them
      Example sentencesExamples
      • With the rebels closing in on the sprawling capital, many feared a battle for control between them and the president's militant supporters.
      • Hurricane Rita is tonight closing in on the Texas - Louisiana coast with 125-mile-an-hour winds.
      • Police said yesterday they were closing in on the alleged rapist, who is believed to have attacked more than a dozen women in south Trinidad over the past few months.
      • The FBI is believed to be closing in on him and think he still lives in the US.
      • Gardai are closing in on a ruthless criminal family suspected of targeting prison officers in a vicious campaign of attacks and intimidation in Limerick.
      • With American troops quickly closing in, surrounding him on three sides, Weatherford's only escape was a bluff above the wintry Alabama River.
      • But aware the police were closing in on them, they bolted, leaving fingerprints on cups and the Monopoly set that police then used in their forensic investigation.
      • Listening to them on the other side of their lead-lined protective barrier was like listening to a bombing crew closing in on its target.
      • Creditors were closing in on Mr Smith, who owed up to £450,000.
      • He believes the police are closing in on his family and is afraid to go home.
      • Detectives today believe they are closing in on a man described as a ‘real danger to women’ after receiving leads from the public.
      1. 1.1Gradually surround, especially with the effect of hindering movement or vision.
        the weather has now closed in, so an attempt on the summit is unlikely
        Example sentencesExamples
        • She couldn't keep her eyes open anymore, the darkness closing in around her vision.
        • Walkers and shoppers, particularly as darkness closes in can be seen pausing to have a closer look at the array of lights, Santa's and Christmas items.
        • Finally we reach the visitor centre with darkness closing in, and as the engines are cut, an eerie silence falls again over the park.
        • Her head swims, the nausea closing in on her the way it does, fast, with light pulsing at the sides of her face, a fanning heat.
        • Darkness was closing in and the rain beginning to fall as we drove up the long, tree lined road to the gates of Ham House.
        • For a long time he sat staring at him, night slowly closing in as his thoughts surrounded him.
        • Deeper in the cave, the walls close in, darkness enfolds us, and we switch on our headlamps.
        • The darkness seemed to close in around him like a noxious cloud.
        • The sun was setting now and darkness was closing in.
        • The darkness closed in on her, trapping her in profuse exhaustion and a dull throbbing pain.
      2. 1.2(of days) get successively shorter with the approach of the winter solstice.
        November was closing in
        Example sentencesExamples
        • Now that half term is over and with winter closing in again, your thoughts may be turning to summer holidays.
        • And presumably it's already pretty cold and winter is closing in?
        • Winter may be closing in fast, but not all sailors are prepared to call it a day just yet and several clubs are running race series, which take them through into the New Year.
        • But, with dark winter evenings closing in, there are still no signs up, and no evidence of any work on a pedestrian refuge.
        • It's sure to be a winner with the nights closing in hard for the Winter.
        • With winter closing in, does someone in your family suffer from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder?
        • When trekking over mountains became too difficult and winter was closing in, the need to abandon personal possessions to speed up travel became imperative.
        • The sports centre has re-opened it's doors for the new season and with the nights closing in and Winter almost upon us it's sure to be a virtual hive of activity until the Spring comes around.
        • As the winter closes in and daylight vanishes, so does the plot.
        • When winter closes in, it gets easy to raid the refrigerator but hard to face the scale.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French clos-, stem of clore, from Latin claudere ‘to shut’.

adj.1
phr.
verb.1
phr.v.
 
 
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更新时间：2024/9/21 22:15:50