close up

cerrarse

close up(kloz uhp)

intransitive verb phrase

1. (to heal)

a. cerrarse

Stephanie applied a healing cream to her wound so it would close up more quickly.

Stephanie aplicó una crema cicatrizante a su herida para que se cerrara más pronto.

2. (to become uncommunicative)

a. callarse

Fred closed up when his mother asked him why he went to the beach without permission.

Fred se calló cuando su mamá le preguntó por qué se había ido a la playa sin permiso.

3. (to lock up temporarily)

a. cerrar

In Mexico, most of the businesses close up from 2 pm to 4 pm for the midday meal.

En México, la mayoría de los negocios cierra de 2 pm a 4 pm para la comida del mediodía.

4. (to come closer together)

a. amontonarse (people or vehicles)

Traffic closes up near the entrance to the shopping mall during the Christmas season.

El tráfico se amontona cerca de la entrada al centro comercial durante la temporada navideña.

5. (to become narrower and less open)

a. cerrarse

Camille walked out on stage to sing, but her throat closed up due to stage fright.

Camille salió al escenario para cantar, pero se le cerró la garganta por el pánico escénico.

transitive verb phrase

6. (to lock up temporarily)

a. cerrar

Tommy closed up the shop and headed for the football game.

Tommy cerró la tienda y se dirigió al partido de fútbol americano.

7. (to bring closer together)

a. cerrar filas

The colonel gave the order to close up the troops.

El coronel dio la orden de que las tropas cerraran filas.

8. (to narrow and become less open)

a. cerrar

She had surgery to close up the hole in her perforated eardrum.

Tuvieron que operarla para cerrar el orificio que se le hizo en el tímpano perforado.