At close quarters

At close quarters
 

What does it mean? The dictionary says that "scuffle" means "fight or struggle in a confused way at close quarters" :confused:

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. :)

How would you say it in BrE? "Very close"? :thinking:

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? :thinking:

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.

So, "at close range" means "cerca" and "close quarters" "amontonados", doesn't it? :thinking:

Yes

Entonces "scuffle" sería una pelea en que todos estarían amontonados, ¿no?

Gracias. :) :rose:

Yes. A very small fight though.

Very small? No long in time or with few people? :thinking:

With few injuries and short-lived.