shut in
يحبس
Literalmente: to close something inside
Use `shut in` when someone is stuck inside, whether by accident, weather, or personal habit.
Em 15 segundos
- To trap someone or something inside a restricted space.
- A person who rarely leaves their house due to various reasons.
- Can describe physical confinement or keeping emotions hidden inside.
Significado
This phrase describes keeping something or someone inside a space and not letting them out, or it can refer to a person who rarely leaves their home.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Accidentally trapping a pet
I accidentally shut the cat in the closet this morning.
I accidentally trapped the cat in the closet this morning.
Being stuck due to weather
The heavy storm shut us in for the entire weekend.
The heavy storm kept us inside for the entire weekend.
Describing a neighbor
We should check on Mrs. Higgins; she’s been a bit of a shut-in lately.
We should check on Mrs. Higgins; she hasn't left home lately.
Contexto cultural
The term 'shut-in' gained significant usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in North America, to describe those physically unable to attend church or community events. It reflects a cultural emphasis on community participation, where being unable to leave home is seen as a state requiring special outreach. Recently, it has been used more lightheartedly to describe 'homebodies' or gamers.
The Hyphen Rule
Use a hyphen (`shut-in`) when it's a noun describing a person, but no hyphen (`shut in`) when it's a verb action.
Don't confuse with 'Shut up'
While `shut in` means trapped, `shut up` means to stop talking. Mixing them up can be very rude!
Em 15 segundos
- To trap someone or something inside a restricted space.
- A person who rarely leaves their house due to various reasons.
- Can describe physical confinement or keeping emotions hidden inside.
What It Means
Shut in is a versatile phrase with two main faces. First, it describes the physical act of trapping something inside. Think of locking a bird in a cage or closing a door so a cat can't leave. Second, as a noun or adjective, it describes a person who stays indoors. This might be due to illness, age, or just being very shy. It feels more permanent than just 'staying home.'
How To Use It
When using it as a verb, you often put the object in the middle. You can say shut the dog in or shut in the dog. Both work perfectly. If you are talking about a person, use it as a noun: "He is a bit of a shut-in." Notice the hyphen when it's a noun! It sounds a bit more natural that way. Don't forget to use it for feelings too. You can shut in your emotions, though it's not very healthy!
When To Use It
You use this when a space feels small or restrictive. Use it when you accidentally lock your keys in the car. Use it when the snow is so deep you can't open your front door. It’s perfect for describing that 'trapped' feeling. In a social sense, use it for that one friend who hasn't left their apartment in three weeks because they are gaming. It’s a very descriptive, visual way to talk about being indoors.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a fun night in. If you are watching a movie by choice, you aren't shut in. That’s just 'relaxing.' Also, be careful using it for elderly people. It can sound a little bit sad or patronizing if you aren't careful. Avoid using it in high-level business contracts. In those cases, use 'confined' or 'restricted' instead. It’s a bit too 'homey' for a legal document.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, the term shut-in became very common to describe elderly neighbors. Communities often have 'shut-in ministries' or programs to visit people who can't leave home. It carries a sense of social responsibility. During the 2020 lockdowns, everyone joked about becoming a shut-in. It turned a sad term into something relatable for everyone. It highlights the value English speakers place on 'getting out' and 'fresh air.'
Common Variations
Shut away: This feels more like hiding something from the world.Locked in: This is more intense and implies a key was used.Cooped up: Use this when you feel restless and want to escape.Snowed in: A specific version for when the weather traps you.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but can lean towards informal when used as a noun. Be mindful of the tone; it can sound sympathetic or slightly judgmental depending on the context.
The Hyphen Rule
Use a hyphen (`shut-in`) when it's a noun describing a person, but no hyphen (`shut in`) when it's a verb action.
Don't confuse with 'Shut up'
While `shut in` means trapped, `shut up` means to stop talking. Mixing them up can be very rude!
The 'Homebody' alternative
If you want to sound more positive about staying home, use `homebody`. `Shut-in` can sometimes sound a bit lonely.
Exemplos
6I accidentally shut the cat in the closet this morning.
I accidentally trapped the cat in the closet this morning.
Uses the split verb form 'shut [object] in'.
The heavy storm shut us in for the entire weekend.
The heavy storm kept us inside for the entire weekend.
Describes how external forces can trap you.
We should check on Mrs. Higgins; she’s been a bit of a shut-in lately.
We should check on Mrs. Higgins; she hasn't left home lately.
Used as a noun to describe a person's lifestyle or state.
Due to the blizzard, the staff was shut in and unable to reach the office.
Due to the blizzard, the staff was trapped inside.
Slightly more formal but still uses the descriptive phrase.
I've been a total shut-in since this new video game came out!
I haven't left my house since this game was released!
Self-deprecating humor about being lazy or obsessed.
You shouldn't shut your feelings in; it's better to talk about them.
You shouldn't keep your feelings trapped inside.
Metaphorical use for internal thoughts.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form to describe someone who never leaves their house.
Ever since he started working from home, Mark has become a real ___.
When describing a person as a noun, we use the hyphenated form 'shut-in'.
Complete the sentence to show something was trapped.
Don't ___ the dog ___ the garage by mistake!
'Shut in' means to trap inside, while 'shut out' means to keep outside.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Shut in'
Used with friends to describe being a homebody.
I'm such a shut-in today.
Standard description of being trapped by weather.
We were shut in by the snow.
Describing someone who needs social assistance.
The program helps local shut-ins.
When to use 'Shut in'
Weather
Snowed in during winter
Accident
Locking keys in a car
Social
A friend who loves staying home
Emotional
Hiding your true feelings
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot exactly. Locked in implies a lock and key are used. Shut in just means the door is closed, and you can't or won't leave.
Yes! You can say shut in your emotions. It means you are keeping them inside and not telling anyone how you feel.
It can be. It's better to use it for yourself as a joke. Calling an elderly person a shut-in might sound like you are pitying them.
Shut in means you are trapped inside. Shut out means you are stuck outside and can't get in.
You can split it: I shut the cat in. Or keep it together: The snow shut in the whole town.
Yes, it is used in both American and British English, though Americans use the noun form shut-in more frequently.
Only if you are literally trapped in the room! Otherwise, it's too informal for general business talk.
Often, yes. Historically, a shut-in was someone too ill or old to leave their house.
Many people now use the Japanese word hikikomori for extreme cases, or just homebody for casual cases.
Yes, you can shut in a letter in an envelope or shut in a car in a garage.
Frases relacionadas
Cooped up
Feeling stuck in a small space and wanting to get out.
Homebody
A person who enjoys staying at home.
Snowed in
Unable to leave a building because of too much snow.
Boxed in
Feeling trapped with no room to move or no choices.
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