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Put Someone in a Box

What Does "Put Someone in a Box" Mean?

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"Put someone in a box" is an English idiom. It means "to place someone in a difficult or limiting situation, often with little room for maneuver or escape."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "put someone in a box" used in a sentence:
  • His stubbornness and refusal to compromise put him in a box, making it challenging to reach a resolution.
  • She felt that the strict regulations put her in a box, limiting her creative freedom.
  • Putting someone in a box can hinder their ability to adapt and innovate.
meaning for put someone in a box

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Put Someone in a Box" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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