close quarters

American  

[klohs] / kloʊs /

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.

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close quarters British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of close quarters

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

The post-match operation was observed at close quarters by Newcastle stewards and senior staff.

From BBC

Harteveldt said these close quarters often lead to altercations on flights.

From Los Angeles Times

But after the birth of her first son, the discomfort of staying in such close quarters outweighed the benefits of free accommodations.

From MarketWatch

Scotland battled bravely at close quarters - especially on their own line - but gave away two soft tries as a result of weak defence further up the pitch.

From BBC

"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.

From BBC