Phrase guide

close in on

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To enclose around; to tighten or shrink; to collapse.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in on me.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The police closed in on the suspect.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To near a goal or completion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I think we are closing in on the end of this project.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: enserrer — to enclose around; to tighten or shrink; to collapse
  • Polish: otaczać — to enclose around; to tighten or shrink; to collapse
  • Polish: otoczyć — to enclose around; to tighten or shrink; to collapse
  • French: se rapprocher — to catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit
  • Polish: dopadać — to catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit
  • Polish: dopaść — to catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit
  • Swedish: knappa in på — to catch up with in a chase; to near the end of a pursuit
  • French: approcher — to near a goal or completion
  • Polish: zbliżać się do końca — to near a goal or completion
  • Polish: zbliżyć się do końca — to near a goal or completion