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

In Minneapolis, those officers are walking and driving through the largely residential city looking for people to arrest—and coming into close quarters with angry and organized residents.

From The Wall Street Journal

He added: "He's not going to do that. I don't know, but I'm offering my best judgement as somebody who's observed him at fairly close quarters. He's not a fool."

From BBC

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