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Ann225 Posted 7 years ago
Grammar

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.

  • 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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1 Answers
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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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