Hem in
Hi,
If a Christmas tree is surrounded by a table, some boxes and other things that shouldn’t be there, can I use the word ‘hem in’?
“The tree is hemmed in on all sides. How am I supposed to turn off the lights?” (the lights on the tree)
Thank you.
Top answer
The phrase "hemmed in on all sides" is used in precarious or life-threatening situations. Using it for an Xmas tree is overly melodramatic. You might say instead: "There's too much stuff around the tree.
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The phrase "hemmed in on all sides" is used in precarious or life-threatening situations. Using it for an Xmas tree is overly melodramatic. You might say instead: "There's too much stuff around the tree. I can't get to the light switch."
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