close up
phrasal verb·4 senses·particle up
Meanings
Shut a shop or building, often at the end of the day
Why “up”? Filling to the top. Reaching the upper limit means finishing.
“The cafe began to close up after Leo placed the final counter order.”
“We close up at nine.”
“The cafe closes up after the last train.”
Move closer together so there is no gap
“Door staff asked Maya and Leo to close up the gap in the club queue.”
“The runners closed up the gap before the hill.”
(of a wound or opening)heal or seal itself
“The cut closed up after a few days.”
“The hole in the skin closed up quickly.”
Become silent or unwilling to share feelings
Why “up”? An action, effort, relationship, or process stops, becomes weaker, or does not continue.
“He closes up whenever I ask about it.”
“She closed up when the police asked questions.”
Don't confuse with
Close up means shut a shop or building, often at the end of the day. Close down means permanently stop a business or service.
Test yourself
“The cafe began to close up after Leo placed the final counter order.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
close down
A contrast learners often mix up
Permanently stop a business or service
add up
Same up pattern: finishing
Combine into a larger total; Make sense or seem true
break up
Same up pattern: finishing
Break into pieces; End a relationship or gathering
call up
Same up pattern: finishing
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
clean up
Same up pattern: finishing
Tidy thoroughly
clear up
Same up pattern: finishing
Tidy a place by putting things away; (of weather) become bright and dry after rain or cloud; Resolve a misunderstanding or doubt by explaining it; (of an illness, rash or symptom) disappear or get better; Solve a mystery or unsolved problem
cut up
Same up pattern: finishing
Cut something into smaller pieces; Make someone deeply upset or distressed; Behave in a wild or noisy way to attract attention; Overtake another driver suddenly and dangerously
do up
Same up pattern: finishing
Fasten a button, zip or buckle; Improve a room or property by repairing or decorating it; Wrap or tie something into a neat package; Style or arrange one's hair or appearance
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