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  #1  
Old March 17, 2010, 03:56 AM
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At close quarters
What does it mean? The dictionary says that "scuffle" means "fight or struggle in a confused way at close quarters"

Thanks.
Last edited by irmamar; March 17, 2010 at 03:58 AM. Reason: I forgot to add something.
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  #2  
Old March 17, 2010, 04:44 AM
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Originally Posted by irmamar View Post
What does it mean? The dictionary says that "scuffle" means "fight or struggle in a confused way at close quarters"

Thanks.
The word 'quarter' can refer to the 4 limbs, 2 arms and 2 legs. Punishment for treason included quartering, i.e. cutting these limbs off. It is just a guess, but 'at close quarters' could derive from being near enough to be in close contact with arms and legs. It is well known but not used much in BrE.
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Perikles View Post
The word 'quarter' can refer to the 4 limbs, 2 arms and 2 legs. Punishment for treason included quartering, i.e. cutting these limbs off. It is just a guess, but 'at close quarters' could derive from being near enough to be in close contact with arms and legs. It is well known but not used much in BrE.
How would you say it in BrE? "Very close"?
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:39 AM
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How would you say it in BrE? "Very close"?
I would say 'at close range'. It depends on the context, but 'at close quarters' does mean very close.
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:42 AM
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I would say 'at close range'. It depends on the context, but 'at close quarters' does mean very close.
What about "at short distance"? Is it good?
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:46 AM
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What about "at short distance"? Is it good?
No.

Examples: The mother needs to keep her two year old child at close range.

The group of migrant workers live in close quarters--as many a ten in one small apartment.
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:52 AM
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So, "at close range" means "cerca" and "close quarters" "amontonados", doesn't it?
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:53 AM
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So, "at close range" means "cerca" and "close quarters" "amontonados", doesn't it?
Yes
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Old March 17, 2010, 05:55 AM
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Entonces "scuffle" sería una pelea en que todos estarían amontonados, ¿no?

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  #10  
Old March 17, 2010, 06:00 AM
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Entonces "scuffle" sería una pelea en que todos estarían amontonados, ¿no?

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Yes. A very small fight though.
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