closing
Related to closing: closing time, Closing Sales
close (one) out of (something)
To exclude one from something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." I'm in this relationship too, so stop closing me out of decisions. Unfortunately, the teacher closed us out of the class because we got to the lecture hall late.
See also: close, of, out
close a/the deal
To reach an agreement with another party, thus concluding negotiations. We need to move in a month, so how quickly can you close a deal and get our house sold? After months of negotiating, I hired a high-powered attorney to finally close the deal.
See also: close, deal
close a/the sale
To reach an agreement with a buyer; to finalize a sale by persuading the interested party to complete the purchase. We need to move in a month, so how quickly can you close a sale? Obviously, we're looking for salespeople who can consistently close the sale.
See also: close, sale
close down
1. To cease business operations for any length of time (often permanently). I loved that restaurant, so I'm very disappointed that it closed down. That shop always closes down for two weeks in the summer to accommodate the owner's vacation.
2. To force a business to cease operations. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is often used between "close" and "down." After a thorough investigation, the police were finally able to close the shop down for money laundering.
See also: close, down
close in
1. To physically surround, encircle, or approach someone or something. As the opposing troops closed in on us, I knew we would never win the battle.
2. To trap or confine someone or something in a particular space. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "in." The blizzard has closed us in, unfortunately, and we won't even be able to go skiing.
3. To approach very quickly or become imminent, as of a deadline. I procrastinated, and now the deadline for my paper is really closing in!
4. To overwhelm or engulf someone, as of emotions. For a long time, I couldn't drive because feelings of fear closed in every time I got behind the wheel.
See also: close
close in for the kill
1. Literally, to approach someone or something with the intent of killing it. The lion closed in for the kill when it saw the injured antelope.
2. By extension, to approach someone or something with the intent to achieve a particular outcome. If someone finally shows interest in buying the house, I'm sure our realtor will close in for the kill.
See also: close, kill
close in on (someone or something)
1. To physically surround, encircle, or approach someone or something. As the opposing troops closed in on us, I knew we would never win the battle. When I'm in a small space for too long, I start to feel as though the walls are closing in on me.
2. To overwhelm or engulf someone, as of emotions. For a long time, I couldn't drive because feelings of fear closed in on me every time I got behind the wheel.
3. To approach very quickly or become imminent, as of a deadline or other requirement. I procrastinated, and now the deadline for my paper is really closing in on me! The threat of war seems to be closing in on the turbulent region.
See also: close, on
close its doors
Of a business, to cease operations, either permanently or for some length of time; to close down. If the factory closes its doors, hundreds of people will be out of work. Many shops in the seaside town close their doors during the winter.
See also: close, door
close off
1. To prevent access to a particular area or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." We had to close off that section of the restaurant for a private party. I had to take a detour on my way home because the water department closed a bunch of streets off.
2. To avoid emotional connection with others; to isolate. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." Todd really closed himself off after his last break-up. I have a hard time making friends because I usually close myself off from other people.
3. To refuse to listen to viewpoints, ideas, or opinions that differ from one's own. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." Grandpa, you can't just close yourself off to the ways of the modern world. Can you please listen to what I think, instead of automatically closing yourself off?
See also: close, off
close on
To complete the process of buying or selling property, most often a house. In this usage, "close on" is a set phrase followed by a noun or pronoun. So when do you guys finally close on the new house?
See also: close, on
close out
1. verb To prevent from entering a certain place or area. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." Keep that door shut—I'm trying to close out the bugs.
2. verb To sell the remaining inventory of an item that will not be restocked. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." We need close out this model of TV, so we're offering a deep discount.
3. verb To end the registration period for something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." I'm sorry, so many people signed up for the workshop that we had to close it out.
4. verb To exclude one from something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." I'm in this relationship too, so stop closing me out of decisions. Unfortunately, we got to the studio late and were closed out of the class.
5. verb To bring about the end of something; to conclude something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." If the home team wins tonight, they can close out this playoff series and move on to the next round.
6. verb To discontinue something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "out." What steps do I have to take to close out my account with your bank?
7. adjective A sale of the remaining inventory of an item that will not be restocked, usually at a significant discount. In this usage, the phrase is typically hyphenated or written as one word. I bought so many things because the store was having a big close-out sale.
See also: close, out
close ranks
1. Literally, to move closer to the other troops while in a military formation. As soon as the captain called for us to close ranks, we all moved closer together.
2. By extension, to show support for someone or something, especially as a response to criticism. This phrase is typically applied to a group of people. Our family was sure to close ranks behind mom as she suffered public backlash during her campaign for mayor.
See also: close, rank
close the books
1. To end a particular financial or accounting period. The business has already closed the books for this quarter.
2. To decide that a particular situation has ended; to conclude something; to stop considering something as an option. Mindy was our top candidate for the job, but we had to close the books on her when we learned that she had lied on her resume. I think it's time for me to close the books on this situation because I'm clearly never getting my money back.
See also: book, close
close the door on (one)
To exclude one from something in a total or peremptory manner. A lot of banks closed the doors on me when I applied for a loan because of my criminal record. The government's new regulations close the door on thousands of citizens seeking financial aid.
See also: close, door, on
close the door on (something)
1. Literally, to shut a door on something else, usually accidentally. Whoa, hang on, my dress is caught on something. I think I closed the door on it. I accidentally closed the door on my finger. I think it might be broken!
2. To hinder something; to make something impossible. If they find out that you lied on your résumé, it will definitely close the door on this job opportunity for you. The new president has already indicated that she will be closing the door on any further efforts to unite the two countries.
3. To conclude something. While graduation closes the door on the high school experience for most seniors, there are always an unlucky few who have to stay behind an extra year. I'm just glad to close the door on this whole unfortunate affair.
See also: close, door, on
close the door to (one)
To make something impossible for or inaccessible to one. The committee has officially closed the door to us because of our involvement in the scandal. The government's new regulations close the door to thousands of citizens seeking financial aid.
See also: close, door
close the door to (something)
To hinder something; to make something impossible or inaccessible. If they find out that you lied on your resume, it will definitely close the door to this job opportunity.
See also: close, door
close up
1. verb Literally, to shut something that is open. Be sure to close up the oven after you take out the cookies.
2. verb To sew an opening shut at the end of a surgical procedure. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "close" and "up." The procedure is finished. Now we need to close him up.
3. verb To heal, as of a cut or wound. The cut isn't too deep, so it should close up on its own, no stitches needed.
4. verb To become completely closed or sealed shut. After I got hit in the face with a baseball, my eye swelled so much that it actually closed up.
5. verb To cease business operations for any length of time (often permanently). I loved that restaurant, so I'm very disappointed that it closed up permanently. That shop always closes up for two weeks in the summer to accommodate the owner's vacation.
6. verb To close something, typically a place, securely. I hope you closed up the store before you left for the night.
7. noun A shot in which the camera is positioned very close to the subject. In this usage, the phrase is typically hyphenated. I want the next scene to start with a close-up of Caroline standing in the doorway. Her close-ups of flowers are just gorgeous—she's a very underrated photographer.
8. noun A detailed or intimate portrayal or exploration of something. In this usage, the phrase is typically hyphenated. This novel is a close-up of Depression-era America.
See also: close, up
close up shop
To cease business operations for any length of time (often permanently). This phrase can be used to describe an enterprise or an employee. I loved that restaurant, so I'm very disappointed that it closed up shop. The owner always closes up shop for two weeks in the summer to accommodate her vacation. You need to close up shop and go home—your shift ended an hour ago.
See also: close, shop, up
closing the stable door after the horse has bolted
Trying to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. If you try to replace the oil filter on the engine now, you're just closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
See also: after, bolt, closing, door, horse, stable
closing time
The time at which an establishment closes for the day. Aw man, it's closing time already? I barely got any of my shopping done! I think we can squeeze in one more beer before it's closing time!
See also: closing, time
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
close down
and shut down[for someone] to close a business, office, shop, etc., permanently or temporarily. This shop will have to close down if they raise taxes. The fire department closed down all the stores on the block because of the gas leak.
See also: close, down
close in for the kill
and move in for the kill1. Lit. to move in on someone or something for the purpose of killing. The wolves closed in for the kill. When the lions closed in for the kill, the zebras began to stampede.
2. Fig. to get ready to do the final and climactic part of something. The car salesman closed in for the kill with contract and pen in hand.
See also: close, kill
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.
See also: close
close on something
to formally complete the sale and transfer of property, especially real estate. We closed on the new house on April 16. We were able to close on our old house on June 2.
See also: close, on
close ranks
to move closer together in a military formation. The soldiers closed ranks and marched on the enemy in tight formation.
See also: close, rank
close ranks
(behind someone or something) to support someone or something; to back someone or something. We will close ranks behind the party's nominee. Let's close ranks behind her and give her the support she needs.
See also: close, rank
close ranks (with someone)
to join with someone in a cause, or agreement. We can fight this menace only if we close ranks. Let's all close ranks with Ann and adopt her suggestions.
See also: close, rank
close someone or something down
to force someone or someone's business, office, shop, etc., to close permanently or temporarily. The health department closed the restaurant down. They closed down the same place last year, too.
See also: close, down
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.
See also: close
close someone up
to close a surgical wound at the end of a surgical procedure. Fred, would you close her up for me? Fred closed up the patient.
See also: close, up
close something off
to prevent entrance into something; to block something off. Please don't close this passageway off. They closed off the passageway anyway.
See also: close, off
close something out
1. to sell off a particular kind of merchandise with the intention of not selling it in the future. These are not selling. Let's close them out. They closed out all of last season's merchandise.
2. to prevent further registration in something. We are going to have to close this class out. The registrar closed out the class.
See also: close, out
close something up
1. to close someone's business, office, shop, etc., temporarily or permanently. Tom's restaurant nearly went out of business when the health department closed him up. The health department closed up the restaurant.
2. to close something that is open, such as a door or a box. Please close the door when you leave.
See also: close, up
close up
1. Lit. [for an opening] to close completely. The door closed up and would not open again. The wound will close up completely in a day or so.
2. Fig. [for a place of business] to close for business. The store closed up and did not open until the next day.
See also: close, up
close up shop
Fig. to quit working, for the day or forever. (Fixed order.) It's five o'clock. Time to close up shop. I can't make any money in this town. The time has come to close up shop and move to another town.
See also: close, shop, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
close down
1. Also, close one's doors; shut down. Go out of business, end operations. For example, If the rent goes up we'll have to close down, or After fifty years in business the store finally closed its doors, or The warehouse had a clearance sale the month before it shut down for good. Also see close up, def. 2.
2. Force someone to go out of business, as in The police raided the porn shop and closed it down. Both usages date from the early 1900s, but shut down was first recorded in 1877.
See also: close, down
close in
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]
See also: close
close out
1. Also, close something out. Dispose of a stock of goods; end a business. For example, We are closing out all our china, or They've decided to close out their downtown branch. This expression is most often used in business and commerce but occasionally refers to other matters. [Late 1800s]
2. close someone out. Prevent someone's entry or inclusion, as in No one will tell us about the merger-we've been closed out. [Second half of 1900s]
See also: close, out
close ranks
Unite, work together, as in The members decided to close ranks and confront the president. This expression, dating from the late 1700s, comes from the military, where it denotes bringing troops into close order so there are no gaps in the fighting line. (A slightly earlier form was close lines.) It has been used figuratively since the mid-1800s.
See also: close, rank
close the books
Stop financial transactions; end a matter. For example, The entire estate went at the auction, so we can close the books on it, or He was glad to close the books on this case.
See also: book, close
close the sale
Also, close the deal; close on a sale or deal . Complete a transaction, as in Jack was delighted to close the sale. This term applies to such transactions as the sale of a house, also put as closing on a house, as well as negotiations leading up to a sale. The latter was also put as to close a bargain, a phrase used by Charles Dickens and other 19th-century writers: "He closed the bargain directly it reached his ears," Nicholas Nickleby, 1838.
See also: close, sale
close up
Also, close up shop. Stop doing business, temporarily or permanently; also, stop working. For example, The bank is closing up all its overseas branches, or That's enough work for one day-I'm closing up shop and going home. [Late 1500s]
See also: close, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
close ranks
COMMON If the members of a group close ranks, they say things to show that they support each other totally when someone who is not in their group criticizes one of their members. Note: A rank of soldiers is a line of them standing side by side. They would more likely close ranks and support their president rather than abandon him in an election year. Cabinet ministers have closed ranks behind the Prime Minister, saying there was no question of his stepping down. Note: When soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together so that it is hard for anyone to break through the line.
See also: close, rank
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
close the books
make no further entries at the end of an accounting period; cease trading.See also: book, close
close its doors
(of a business) close down or fail. euphemisticSee also: close, door
close ranks
1 (of soldiers or police officers) come closer together in a line. 2 unite in order to defend common interests. 2 1998 Country Life The farming community stands to lose those privileges unless it closes ranks against the few who let the side down.
See also: close, rank
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
close ˈranks
(of the members of a profession, group, etc.) co-operate closely to protect and defend each other: Although the family quarrelled a good deal among themselves, they quickly closed ranks against any outsider who criticized one of them.See also: close, rank
close on
,close to
almost; nearly: It’s close on midnight. They made a profit close to €20 000.See also: close, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
close down
v.
1. To stop operating permanently or for an extended period of time. Used especially of businesses: After decades of serving the community, the gymnasium closed down.
2. To force someone or something, as a business, to stop operating: The cops closed down our poker game. I'd like to keep the shop running, but the recession will probably close my business down.
See also: close, down
close in
v.
1. To surround and advance on a person or thing: The police located the escaped prisoner and closed in. Scientists closed in on the cause of the disease.
2. To appear to be coming in from all sides: Problems of every sort are closing in on me.
3. To be about to occur; be imminent: We had better hurry, the deadline is closing in.
See also: close
close off
v.
To prevent passage along or through something: The police closed off the main avenue for a parade. Park rangers closed the lake off to motorboats.
See also: close, off
close out
v.
1. To block someone or something from entering some place: I shut the windows to close out the light. The management closed the striking union out from the factory.
2. To refuse to include someone in a group or activity: The tour guide had to close out many people who wanted to come on the trip because the bus was full. The school closed me out of the class because I registered too late.
3. To discontinue the sale of some merchandise: The store is closing out its old line of hiking boots, so they're on sale. This is a good brand of refrigerator, so buy one before the store closes them out.
4. To terminate something, as a business or an account, by disposing of all its assets: She opened a new bank account and closed out the old one. He closed his savings account out and bought a new car.
5. To bring some activity to an end: This performance will close out our program for the evening. Just when we thought the tennis match might go to a third set, one of the players closed it out with two aces.
See also: close, out
close up
v.
1. To shut something completely: The doctor closed up the cut with stitches. I closed the box up with wire and tape.
2. To become shut completely: My eye closed up because of the infection.
3. To shut and lock a building for a period of time: It's my job to close up the store for the night because I'm always the last one to leave. At the end of August, we'll close the cottage up for the winter.
See also: close, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
close ranks
Unite against a common opponent, present a united front. The term originated in the 1600s in the military, where it also was put as “to close files.” It alluded to the style of battle in which the troops were aligned side by side in neat rows; the order to “close ranks” meant to move the rows closer together, creating a seemingly impenetrable mass of men. The term was soon being used figuratively and became a cliché. For example, “Will the wankel [engine] be enough to sustain NSU as an independent motor company, or will NSU one day have to close ranks further with Citroen?” (Economist, Sept. 2, 1967).
See also: close, rank
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- back into
- back into (someone or something)
- attune to
- involve with
- involve with (someone or something)
- involved with
- arrange for
- arrange for some time
- arrange some music for
- add in