close in on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘close in on’ mean?
The idiom "close in on" means to approach or move towards someone or something with the intention of capturing or surrounding them, often in a determined or persistent manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "verge on" means to be very close to something, usually in a negative or extreme way. It implies approaching a certain point or state, often with the potential to cross a boundary or reach a limit.
The idiom "keep a close watch" means to closely monitor or observe something or someone, usually with the goal of ensuring their safety, security, or well-being.
The idiom "eyes on the prize" means to keep one's focus and attention on achieving a goal or desired outcome in order to be successful.
The idiom "edge out" means to narrowly defeat, surpass, or outdo someone or something, usually by a small margin or by using one's advantages or skills.
Crowd in on: To move or gather closely around someone or something, often in a way that causes inconvenience or discomfort.
The idiom "come to a close" means to reach the end or conclusion of something. It signifies the completion of an event, activity, or period of time.
The idiom "close one eye" means to deliberately choose to ignore or overlook something, usually unethical or illegal, in order to benefit oneself or someone else.
The idiom "clip it" means to cut or shorten something, typically in a quick and efficient manner.
The idiom "clamp down on" means to take strict or decisive action to control or suppress something, usually referring to a situation or behavior that is seen as problematic or undesirable.
Decoding the Phrase
The idiom "close in on" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to describe the act of approaching or nearing a goal, target, or outcome. The idiom is derived from the literal sense of "closing in" on something or someone, which implies getting closer or narrowing the gap between two entities.
The phrase "close in on" can be used in various contexts and has multiple meanings depending on the situation. One of the most common uses of the idiom is in relation to a pursuit, wherein someone or something is getting closer to catching or capturing another. This can be seen in contexts such as a police chase or a thrilling sports event, where one team is trying to catch up and overtake the other.
Another meaning of "close in on" is related to the act of approaching a solution or answer. In this context, it indicates that a person or group is getting closer to finding the solution to a problem or unraveling a mystery. It suggests that the end result is within reach and that the efforts made so far are leading to a conclusive outcome.
"Close in on" can also describe a situation where someone gains a deep understanding or clarity about a subject. It implies a sense of gradually grasping or comprehending the complexities and intricacies of a particular matter. This can be seen in academic pursuits or professional projects where one is gradually gaining knowledge and expertise.
"Close in on" is a dynamic idiom that highlights progress, advancement, and approaching a particular objective. It signifies the determination, persistence, and continuous efforts involved in getting closer to a desired goal. The phrase is often used to evoke a sense of anticipation, excitement, and possibility.
The idiom "verge on" is closely related to "close in on." While "close in on" implies approaching a goal or outcome, "verge on" suggests being on the brink or edge of something. It conveys the idea of being very close or near to a particular state or condition. Just as someone might close in on a target, they could also be on the verge of achieving it.
An idiom related to "close in on" is "keep a close watch." This phrase emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and attentive to something or someone. It implies a state of heightened awareness and alertness, where one is actively observing and monitoring a situation. Keeping a close watch can be seen as a strategy to effectively close in on a target or goal.
The idiom "around the corner" is also closely linked to "close in on." It suggests that something is imminent or just about to happen. It creates a sense of anticipation and expectation, as if the desired outcome is within reach and will be achieved very soon. This idiom adds a layer of excitement and possibility to the idea of closing in on a goal.
Another idiom related to "close in on" is "crowd in on." This phrase conveys the idea of surrounding or overwhelming someone or something. It implies a sense of pressure or encroachment from all sides, as if the target or goal is being closed in on by a crowd. This can be seen in situations where multiple factors or forces are converging and intensifying the pursuit of a goal.
The idiom "chase after" is similar to "close in on" in that it involves pursuing or going after something. However, "chase after" implies a more active and energetic pursuit, with a focus on actively seeking and chasing down the desired object or outcome. It suggests a sense of determination and persistence in the pursuit, similar to someone closing in on a target.
The idiom "close in on" encompasses the idea of approaching or nearing a goal, target, or outcome. It can be used in various contexts to describe progress and advancement. The related idioms "verge on," "keep a close watch," "around the corner," "crowd in on," and "chase after" further enhance the understanding and nuances of closing in on a particular objective. These idioms highlight the proximity, anticipation, and pursuit involved in achieving a desired outcome. As language continues to evolve, "close in on" remains a powerful expression that captures the dynamic nature of human pursuits.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "close in on" can be used in a sentence:
- The police are closing in on the fugitive, and they hope to catch him soon.
- As the deadline for the project approached, the team worked hard to close in on their goal.
- The hunter quietly stalked his prey, steadily closing in on it.
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