at close quarters

Idioms  

1. Crowded, in a confined space, as in We could use a lot more room; this tiny office puts us at close quarters. This idiom makes figurative use of quarters in the sense of “military lodgings” but originated in 18th-century naval warfare. When the enemy boarded a ship, the crew would retreat behind wooden barriers erected for this purpose and would continue to fire through loopholes. They thus were very near the enemy, fighting in close quarters. [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at close quarters

While working his way back home, he’s forced to outsmart a vicious beast at close quarters, and he takes up residence with a suitor.

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

They mix in large numbers at close quarters, while sharing kitchens, accommodation and going on nights out.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

A couple of small groups would walk alongside MPs as they tried to move around the tiny SW1 postcode, hurling abuse and accusations at close quarters and recording them on their phones.

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2024

It was a game that really suited him, where he could make an impact at close quarters but also find space out wide where his pace and hands are a point of difference.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2023

Only a month before, my ancient half-sister, who was twelve years older than me, had actually had appendicitis, and for several days before her operation I was able to observe her behaviour at close quarters.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

• adjacent
• adjoining
• immediate
• nearby
• neighboring
• warm