in a box

The phrase "in a box" is often used idiomatically to describe situations of confinement, restriction, or simplicity.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)Under very restrictive limits or boundaries.

Example

The new regulations have put the company in a box, limiting their ability to innovate.

C1Euphemism

(idiomatic, euphemistic)A state of being deceased.

Example

After the accident, he was in a box, and the family held a quiet funeral.

B2Judgment

(idiomatic)To categorize someone in a limiting way.

Example

No matter what you do, people will find a way to put you in a box.

A2Literal

Enclosed within a rectangular or square container.

Example

She packed all her books in a box for the move.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in a box":

box in box up blue box box standard yellow box baby box green box cardboard box red box pink box black box box and lock box of tricks out of the box tuck box service box knock out of the box flower box box off puzzle box jump box off one's box shadow box box lunch in the can beige box in one dispatch box fire box in a corner out of one's box loose box box kick box set pizza box fudge box jewel box ticky box window box call box box art lobster box cigar box in the bag bait box agony box in the closet text box patch box jockey box shuttle box in line in two clack box post box in place on a string box the compass in a word