Closing in: meaning, definitions and examples

This phrase is commonly used when something or someone is getting closer in a physical sense, especially when narrowing in a limited space or when surrounding something.

• The police are closing in on the suspect.
• The wolves are closing in on their prey.

This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts, both physical and metaphorical. It can describe moving closer to a location, an event, or even an abstract concept like an idea or deadline.

• She felt nervous as the deadline approached.
• The train is rapidly approaching the station.

This term is typically used in more formal or scientific contexts. It describes multiple things or paths coming together to a single point. It can be used both in physical and metaphorical contexts.

• The two rivers converge at this point.
• Experts from different fields converged at the conference to discuss climate change.

This phrase is quite general and can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It emphasizes the direction of movement rather than the final arrival.

• The team is moving toward a common goal.
• She started to move toward the exit.

Use this phrase when someone or something is getting closer to a target or goal, often implying pressure or urgency.

• The detectives are closing in on the suspect
• The team is closing in on victory

Use this word when wrapping up an event, meeting, or argument, usually signifying a final part of a formal process.

• The conference will conclude with a keynote speech
• After several hours, the meeting concluded with an agreement

Use this word when something is fully done or has come to an end, often after putting in an effort. It implies the task is fully achieved.

• She managed to complete the marathon
• The project is finally complete after months of hard work

Use this word for indicating the end of an action or activity, suggesting that the task has been done, often in everyday contexts.

• I need to finish my homework
• We can go out once I finish cleaning the house

Used when someone or something is getting closer in terms of distance or proximity. It often conveys a sense of urgency or tension.

• The police are closing in on the suspect
• The competitors are closing in on the leader of the race

Used when the difference between two quantities, such as scores or quality, is decreasing. It is often used in competitive situations.

• The underdog team is narrowing the gap in the final minutes of the game
• The new policies are aimed at narrowing the gap between rich and poor

Used when someone is making up for lost time or progress, often in a friendly or informal context to show that someone is getting nearer to someone else's level or position.

• I need to catch up on my homework
• She spent the weekend catching up with old friends

Used in a formal or professional setting, often related to finance or economics, when the difference between two amounts (usually a shortfall) is decreasing.

• The government is focused on reducing the deficit to improve the economy
• The company is taking measures to reduce the deficit in their budget