Em 15 segundos
- Physically blocking access to a specific area or road.
- Emotionally withdrawing and stopping communication with other people.
- Creating a boundary to keep things out or in.
Significado
To block off an area so people can't enter, or to stop sharing your feelings and thoughts with others.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6City planning notice
The city will close off the downtown area for the marathon.
ستقوم المدينة بإغلاق منطقة وسط المدينة من أجل الماراثون.
Talking about a shy friend
Ever since the breakup, he has started to close himself off.
منذ الانفصال، بدأ ينغلق على نفسه.
At a restaurant
They had to close off the patio because of the rain.
اضطروا لإغلاق الشرفة بسبب المطر.
Contexto cultural
The 'Stiff Upper Lip' tradition often involves people 'closing themselves off' emotionally to appear strong, though this is changing with younger generations. In US corporate culture, 'closing off' distractions is a praised productivity technique often called 'Deep Work'. The concept of 'Hikikomori' is an extreme, modern form of 'closing oneself off' from society, often for years at a time. Many European cities are 'closing off' their historic centers to cars to promote walking and reduce pollution.
The 'It' Rule
Always remember: 'Close it off', never 'Close off it'. This is the golden rule for phrasal verbs with pronouns.
Don't Kill the Business
If you say a restaurant is 'closed off', people will think there's a crime scene there. If you mean it's out of business, say 'closed down'.
Em 15 segundos
- Physically blocking access to a specific area or road.
- Emotionally withdrawing and stopping communication with other people.
- Creating a boundary to keep things out or in.
What It Means
Close off is a versatile phrase with two main lives. Physically, it means putting up a barrier. Think of a police line or a 'road closed' sign. Emotionally, it means building a wall around your heart. You stop letting people in. You stop talking about your day. It is like turning off a light in a room and locking the door.
How To Use It
For physical spaces, use it when something is blocked. You can close off a street for a party. You can close off a room for cleaning. For people, it describes a change in behavior. If your friend stops texting back, they might be closing themselves off. Notice how we often add themselves or herself in emotional contexts. It makes the action feel more personal.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing logistics or construction. "They had to close off the main highway." Use it in deep conversations with friends. "I feel like you are closing off lately." It works well when you need to describe a boundary. It is perfect for setting limits in both the world and your mind.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple objects like a jar or a book. You don't close off a bottle of water; you just close it. Avoid using it for businesses ending their day. A shop closes up or just closes. If you use close off for a shop, it sounds like the police raided it and taped it shut. That is a very different vibe!
Cultural Background
In many Western cultures, 'personal space' is a big deal. Closing off a section of a house is common for privacy. Emotionally, the phrase gained popularity with the rise of modern psychology. It reflects the idea that we have 'inner selves' that can be protected. It is often seen as a defense mechanism against stress or heartbreak.
Common Variations
Closed off: Used as an adjective (e.g., "He is veryclosed off.").Seal off: A stronger version, usually for something airtight or high-security.Block off: Very similar to the physical meaning ofclose off.Shut out: This is the active version of emotionalclosing off. You aren't just hiding; you are pushing others away.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for work. Use it physically for logistics and emotionally for personal relationships, but remember to use 'myself/himself' for the emotional version.
The 'It' Rule
Always remember: 'Close it off', never 'Close off it'. This is the golden rule for phrasal verbs with pronouns.
Don't Kill the Business
If you say a restaurant is 'closed off', people will think there's a crime scene there. If you mean it's out of business, say 'closed down'.
Emotional Nuance
Using 'close off' about a person is slightly more clinical/psychological than 'shut out'. Use it when you want to sound empathetic.
Visualizing Barriers
If you can imagine a physical fence or tape, 'close off' is likely the right phrase to use.
Exemplos
6The city will close off the downtown area for the marathon.
ستقوم المدينة بإغلاق منطقة وسط المدينة من أجل الماراثون.
Refers to a physical barrier for an event.
Ever since the breakup, he has started to close himself off.
منذ الانفصال، بدأ ينغلق على نفسه.
Describes emotional withdrawal.
They had to close off the patio because of the rain.
اضطروا لإغلاق الشرفة بسبب المطر.
Physical restriction of a specific section.
Please don't close off when we have an argument.
من فضلك لا تنغلق على نفسك عندما نتجادل.
Asking for open communication.
I tried to close off the kitchen to hide the mess, but the cat broke in.
حاولت إغلاق المطبخ لإخفاء الفوضى، لكن القطة اقتحمته.
Using a physical barrier for a humorous reason.
We need to close off this section of the warehouse for the audit.
نحن بحاجة إلى إغلاق هذا القسم من المستودع من أجل التدقيق.
Used for professional logistics.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'close off'.
The police had to _______ the entire block after the gas leak was discovered.
We use 'close off' for blocking access to a physical area like a city block.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly with a pronoun?
The area was dangerous, so they...
In phrasal verbs, the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.
Match the meaning of 'close off' to the situation.
Situation: 'Since the argument, he hasn't spoken to anyone and stays in his room.'
The person is creating an emotional barrier between himself and others.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Can we drive through Main Street? B: No, they've _______ for the parade.
A parade is a temporary event that blocks a street, so 'closed it off' is correct.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Off vs. Down vs. Up
Common Objects for 'Close Off'
Urban
- • Street
- • Bridge
- • Park
Personal
- • Myself
- • Heart
- • Mind
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosThe police had to _______ the entire block after the gas leak was discovered.
We use 'close off' for blocking access to a physical area like a city block.
The area was dangerous, so they...
In phrasal verbs, the pronoun must go between the verb and the particle.
Situation: 'Since the argument, he hasn't spoken to anyone and stays in his room.'
The person is creating an emotional barrier between himself and others.
A: Can we drive through Main Street? B: No, they've _______ for the parade.
A parade is a temporary event that blocks a street, so 'closed it off' is correct.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasYes, but usually as 'close oneself off' or 'he is closing off'. it means they are becoming emotionally distant.
It is neutral. It's fine for news reports and daily conversation, but use 'restrict' in legal documents.
'Close off' sounds more official (like police or city work). 'Block off' sounds more like a physical obstacle (like a fallen tree).
No, use 'closed' or 'wrapped up'. 'Close off' is for spaces, not events.
'Close off' is the verb. 'Closed off' is the past tense or the adjective (e.g., 'a closed-off street').
No, you 'close' an account. You 'close off' a section of the bank building.
Not exactly. 'Ignore' is an action toward someone else. 'Close off' is an internal state of building a wall.
Yes, it is very common in all major varieties of English.
No, you 'close' or 'exit' a program. You might 'close off' a network port in cybersecurity, though.
Usually as a defense mechanism to avoid being hurt or overwhelmed by emotions.
Yes, this is the most common way to use the phrase.
Yes, it is a transitive, separable phrasal verb.
Frases relacionadas
block off
synonymTo put an obstacle in the way.
seal off
specialized formTo close completely so nothing can enter or leave.
shut out
similarTo prevent someone from being part of something.
cordon off
specialized formTo block an area using a rope or tape.
open up
contrastTo start talking about your feelings.
