1 B2 neutral
To surround a person, army, or place physically, preventing escape or movement.
"The opposing forces hemmed the battalion in on three sides, leaving only one path of retreat."
separable
hem in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To surround or enclose someone or something so that movement or freedom is restricted.
In plain English
To trap or surround someone so they can't go anywhere.
What does "hem in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To restrict someone's freedom of action through circumstances, rules, or pressures.
"She felt hemmed in by the expectations of her family and longed to forge her own path."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To enclose an area with natural or man-made features.
"The valley is hemmed in by steep cliffs on both sides, making it a natural fortress."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sew a hem all the way around a piece of fabric, enclosing its edges.
Actually means
To trap or surround someone so they can't go anywhere.
Usage tip
Used both literally (surrounded by physical barriers) and figuratively (restricted by circumstances, rules, or enemies). Common in military, political, and literary contexts. Almost always passive: 'hemmed in by'.
Words that pair with "hem in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mountains troops regulations enemies walls circumstances
How to conjugate "hem in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hem in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hems in
he/she/it
Past simple
hemed in
yesterday
Past participle
hemed in
have + pp
-ing form
heming in
continuous
Hear "hem in" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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