"Closed in on" refers to the act or process of narrowing down or approaching something or someone from all sides or angles, usually in an encircling or restrictive manner. The term often implies a deliberate and targeted effort to corner, capture, or confine the subject under discussion.
When using "closed in on" in a literal sense, it typically describes the tightening of a physical presence or distance between parties. For example, in a military context, it can refer to soldiers or troops advancing on a target, gradually closing in on their objective by encompassing it from different directions. In a more general sense, it can describe the physical proximity of individuals or objects getting closer to each other, making the environment feel more enclosed or restricted.
Metaphorically, "closed in on" can denote a mental or emotional state in which someone feels trapped or confined, where options become limited and possibilities narrow down. It can be used to describe situations where an individual or group faces mounting pressure, constraints, or scrutiny, with fewer means of escape or evasion.
Overall, "closed in on" captures the concept of an approach from all sides, often with the intention of achieving a specific outcome or exerting control, whether in a physical, metaphorical, or psychological sense.
