at close quarters

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

"The execution will have to be done at close quarters, brushing shoulders in the lobbies as we go to vote for the removal of much-respected colleagues."

From BBC

Wightman witnessed which compatriot's attention to detail at close quarters when they shared a room at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which Kerr left with a bronze medal.

From BBC

The barrister said what followed was the "remarkable sight" of masked petrol bombers being filmed at close quarters as they attacked police.

From BBC

She admitted working with Hayes was an enormous draw for her to come to the WSL - and has been even more impressed at close quarters.

From BBC

I've seen the phenomenal force of US diplomacy at close quarters this week, trailing Mr Blinken on a time-zone shattering tour of Europe, Asia and ending in the Middle East trying to stem the current crisis.

From BBC

Related Words

• near