close quarters

[klohs]

noun

1. a small, cramped place or position.

2. direct and close contact in a fight.

   They met at close quarters, exchanging many quick jabs.

close quarters

/ kləʊs /

plural noun

1. a narrow cramped space or position

2. 1. engaged in hand-to-hand combat

   2. in close proximity; very near together

Word History and Origins

Origin of close quarters¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

"You're bringing people together from all over the world, putting them in close quarters, and exposing them to viruses they've never encountered before," she says.

Read more on BBC

And they have to play in these close quarters; it was a very close kind of set.

Read more on Salon

Ask any family: There is more relish in fighting at close quarters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Like “Friends,” to which “Adults” will inevitably be compared, it’s a story of young people living in close quarters, conveniently both for them and for the purposes of comedy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During this year's Women's Premier League, where she led Mumbai to the title, I was fortunate to watch her at close quarters.

Read more on BBC