box in
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To trap someone in a small space or situation so they can't get out or make their own choices.
Literal meaning: To place something inside a box, restricting its movement.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To surround a person, vehicle, or animal so that they cannot move freely.
"My car was completely boxed in by two large delivery trucks, and I couldn't move for twenty minutes."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To limit someone's choices or freedom of action so that they feel they have no alternatives.
"She felt boxed in by her contract — she couldn't leave the company even though she wanted to."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used both literally (being physically surrounded, e.g. by traffic) and figuratively (being restricted in choices or decisions). The passive form 'boxed in' is very common.
Commonly used with
car traffic corner options decision space
Forms
Base
box in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
boxes in
he/she/it
Past simple
boxed in
yesterday
Past participle
boxed in
have + pp
-ing form
boxing in
continuous
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Synonyms
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