close off

close off

1. To prevent access to a particular area or thing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." We had to close off that section of the restaurant for a private party. I had to take a detour on my way home because the water department closed a bunch of streets off. Why are there cones closing off the entrance to the parking lot?

2. To avoid emotional connection with others; to isolate. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." Todd really closed himself off after his last break-up. I have a hard time making friends because I usually close myself off from other people. Please don't close yourself off to help—we all just want you to succeed!

3. To refuse to listen to viewpoints, ideas, or opinions that differ from one's own. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun can be used between "close" and "off." Grandpa, you can't just close yourself off to the ways of the modern world. Can you please listen to what I think, instead of automatically closing yourself off? When you close yourself off to new ideas, that's when you when you really start aging, no matter what age you actually are.

See also: close, off

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

close something off

to prevent entrance into something; to block something off. Please don't close this passageway off. They closed off the passageway anyway.

See also: close, off

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

close off

v.

To prevent passage along or through something: The police closed off the main avenue for a parade. Park rangers closed the lake off to motorboats.

See also: close, off

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.