box in
box in
1. To physically block and thus prevent someone or something from moving from a certain spot. A noun or pronoun can be used between "box" and "in." Well, I guess I'm not leaving yet because that van is boxing in my car.
2. To limit one's options or cause one to feel restricted or stuck. A noun or pronoun can be used between "box" and "in." I'm a very versatile performer—don't just box me in as a comedic actress.
See also: box
boxed in
1. Unable to physically move from a certain spot due to being blocking by something. Well, I guess I'm not leaving yet because my car is boxed in.
2. Restricted or feeling stuck due to one's limited options. I'm a very versatile performer, but I've been boxed in as a comedic actress by the studio.
See also: box
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
box someone or something in
to trap or confine someone or something. He boxed her in so she could not get away from him. They tried to box in the animals, but they needed more space. Don't try to box me in.
See also: box
box someone in
Fig. to put someone into a bind; to reduce the number of someone's alternatives. I don't want to box you in, but you are running out of options. I want to box in the whole staff, so they'll have to do it my way.
See also: box
boxed in
Fig. in a bind; having few alternatives. I really feel boxed in around here. I got him boxed in. He'll have to do it our way.
See also: box
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
box in
v.
1. To trap or confine someone or something in a limited space or region: We boxed in the left corner of the living room with a new wall and curtains. The enemy forces had boxed us in on all sides.
2. To prevent someone from acting freely, usually by creating restrictions or obstacles: Being too strict will box in your students and prevent them from being creative. I want to make some changes at the office, but my boss has boxed me in with too many rules.
See also: box
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
box someone in
tv. to put someone into a bind; to reduce the number of someone’s alternatives. (see also boxed in.) I don’t want to box you in, but you are running out of options.
See also: box, someone
boxed in
mod. in a bind; having few alternatives. I got him boxed in. He’ll have to do it our way.
See also: box
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- not do (someone or oneself) any favors
- rescue from
- rescue from (someone or something)
- identify with
- attune to
- ask back
- orient
- orient to
- orient to (something)
- involved with