At close quarters

[irmamar]

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

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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"?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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?

[poli]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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.

[irmamar]

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

[poli]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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

Yes

[irmamar]

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

Gracias.

[xchic]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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

Gracias.

Yes. A very small fight though.

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by xchic

Yes. A very small fight though.

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

[xchic]

Originally Posted by irmamar

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

With few injuries and short-lived.