Box in
phrasal verb
To block or prevent someone or something from moving or leaving a particular place.
The driver was boxed in and had to wait for the other cars to move.
Often appears as...
- boxed in by traffic
- box in a car
phrasal verb
To limit someone's choices or actions, to restrict.
Her strict upbringing boxed her in, so she felt unable to express her true feelings.
Often appears as...
- boxed in by rules
- boxed in by restrictions
Usage tips
General, Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To enclose or package something within a box.
I need to box in the gifts before the party.
Often appears as...
- box in gifts
- box in goods
phrasal verb
To block or prevent someone or something from moving or leaving a particular place.
The driver was boxed in and had to wait for the other cars to move.
Often appears as...
- boxed in by traffic
- box in a car
phrasal verb
To limit someone's choices or actions, to restrict.
Her strict upbringing boxed her in, so she felt unable to express her true feelings.
Often appears as...
- boxed in by rules
- boxed in by restrictions
Usage tips
General, Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To enclose or package something within a box.
I need to box in the gifts before the party.
Often appears as...
- box in gifts
- box in goods
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when someone or something is physically trapped by obstacles or other objects.
The crowd was so thick, I was boxed in near the stage.
Pro Tip 2/3Impeding Movement
Highlights a situation where movement is hindered, often causing frustration in places like parking lots.
I can't leave until someone moves — I'm completely boxed in.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
Can also describe being confined in a small space, not just in traffic situations.
At the concert, I felt boxed in with nowhere to go.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when someone or something is physically trapped by obstacles or other objects.
The crowd was so thick, I was boxed in near the stage.
Pro Tip 2/3Impeding Movement
Highlights a situation where movement is hindered, often causing frustration in places like parking lots.
I can't leave until someone moves — I'm completely boxed in.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
Can also describe being confined in a small space, not just in traffic situations.
At the concert, I felt boxed in with nowhere to go.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Obstruction
Used when someone or something is physically trapped by obstacles or other objects.
The crowd was so thick, I was boxed in near the stage.
Pro Tip 2/3Impeding Movement
Highlights a situation where movement is hindered, often causing frustration in places like parking lots.
I can't leave until someone moves — I'm completely boxed in.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Cars
Can also describe being confined in a small space, not just in traffic situations.
At the concert, I felt boxed in with nowhere to go.
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