close in upon
When people or things slowly move in from every direction around something, like in a story or old-fashioned writing.
Meanings
To approach from all sides and surround someone or something, typically in a threatening way (literary/formal).
"The shadows seemed to close in upon her as she walked deeper into the forest."
Of an oppressive feeling or situation: to overwhelm someone gradually (literary/figurative).
"A sense of dread began to close in upon him as he read the final page of the letter."
Archaic or literary register. Rarely encountered in modern everyday English. Found in 19th-century literature and formal prose. Learners should recognise it but use 'close in on' in practice.
Commonly used with
Forms
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