a narrow cramped space or position - at close quarters ⇒
engaged in hand-to-hand combat in close proximity; very near together
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
close′ quar′ters
(klōs),USA pronunciation
- a small, cramped place or position.
- direct and close contact in a fight:They met at close quarters, exchanging many quick jabs.
- 1745–55
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'close quarters' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Golding
- assault
- close
- close-in
- dogfight
- hairdryer treatment
- hand
- hand-to-hand
- hibernate
- infighting