Word: Hem In
Definition: "Hem in" is a verb that means to surround someone or something closely, often in a way that restricts movement or makes it difficult to escape. It can refer to physical spaces or metaphorical situations where someone feels trapped or limited.
Usage Instructions:
Structure: "hem in" is a phrasal verb, which means it consists of a verb ("hem") and a preposition ("in").
Subject and Object: You can use it with various subjects (people, animals, objects) and typically follow it with what is being surrounded.
Examples:
Physical Context: "The tall buildings hemmed in the park, making it feel small and crowded."
Metaphorical Context: "She felt hemmed in by her responsibilities, unable to pursue her dreams."
Advanced Usage:
In more complex sentences, "hem in" can be used to describe strategies in arguments or negotiations: "The lawyer tried to hem in the witness with difficult questions, limiting their options for answers."
Word Variants:
Hemming: The act of surrounding or enclosing.
Hemmed: The past participle form, indicating something has already been surrounded.
Different Meanings:
While "hem in" mostly refers to the idea of surrounding or confining, "hem" on its own can refer to the edge of a piece of fabric that is folded and sewn to prevent unraveling. However, in the context of "hem in," it focuses on the idea of confinement.
Synonyms:
Enclose
Surround
Trap
Confine
Restrict
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Box in: Similar to "hem in," it means to limit someone’s options or movement.
Corner: To trap someone in a situation where they have no choice or escape.
Summary:
"Hem in" is used to describe the act of surrounding someone or something in a way that limits their freedom or movement.