at close quarters
Within arm's reach
At close quarters means in very near proximity, especially in a way that feels cramped or confrontational.
The phrase comes from military usage—quarters being assigned positions on a ship or battlefield—where close quarters meant hand-to-hand combat range.
Now it describes any situation of tight physical closeness: Living at close quarters with roommates tests any friendship.
The reporters pressed at close quarters around the candidate.
- nearbyAt small distance
- face-to-faceDirect personal encounter
- nose to noseIn direct close confrontation
- personalRelating to one's self
- adjacentDirectly next to
grappling · confined · hand-to-hand · in-your-face · toe to toe · skirmish · in the thick of it · melee · intimate · crowded · point-blank · struggle · direct · immediate · engaged · encounter · packed · clash