1
general::
Phrase(s): close in (on someone or something)
1. Lit. to move inward on someone or something. • The cops were closing in on the thugs. • They closed in quietly and trapped the bear. 2. Fig. [for threats or negative feelings] to overwhelm or seem to surround someone or something. • My problems are closing in on me. • I feel trapped. Everything is closing in., Phrase(s): close someone or something in (something)
to contain someone or something in something or some place; to seal someone or something inside something. • Don’t close the bird in such a small cage. • Don’t close me in! Leave the door open.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Surround, enclose, envelop, as in The fog closed in and we couldn't see two yards in front of us, or She felt the room was closing in. [c. 1400] 2. Also, close in on or upon. Draw in, approach, as in The police closed in on the suspect. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms