hem in
verb1
To surround and enclose in a way that restricts movement.
- One of the loveliest rivers in Wales, the Teifi, loops and swirls down to Llanybyther through a lush valley hemmed in by range upon range of wooded hills.1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 260:
- The average British family is now hemmed in by multiple, authoritative predictions of stagnant or falling wages, higher food and fuel prices, an ongoing sterling devaluation, collapsing social care and public services and increased, regressive indirect taxation.2017 March 27, “The Observer view on triggering article 50”, in The Observer:
1 more example
- The area now has an even more impressive web of railway junctions and lines than ever - especially as new stabling sidings have been added to take the pressure of [sic] the cramped Overground depot site at New Cross, which is hemmed in between running lines ([...]).2020 May 20, Paul Bigland, “East London Line's renaissance”, in Rail, page 48:
- Related terms
- hem up