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

The trial has offered a rare chance for the French public to see the once-revered actor - star of films like Green Card and Cyrano de Bergerac - at close quarters.

From BBC ● Mar. 26, 2025

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