hem someone in

Related to word: hem

Phrasal Verb

Definition

  1. to enclose someone, restricting their movement or hindering their ability to act freely

    • At the party, his friends hemmed him in, making him feel confined to a small group.

    • The police hemmed the suspect in, restricting his escape routes.

    • In the discussion, too many opinions hemmed her in, preventing her from expressing her thoughts freely.