cuddle up close
/ˈkʌdəl ʌp kloʊs/
Meaning
This phrase means to hold someone or nestle next to them affectionately for warmth, comfort, or intimacy. It is commonly used in romantic relationships, with children, or even when talking about pets. The tone is warm, cozy, and highly affectionate.
Examples
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On rainy Sunday afternoons, we love to cuddle up close and watch old movies on the couch.
On rainy Sunday afternoons, we love to cuddle up close and watch old movies on the couch.
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The toddler wanted to cuddle up close to her mother after having a scary dream.
The toddler wanted to cuddle up close to her mother after having a scary dream.
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My dog always tries to cuddle up close to me whenever I sit down to read.
My dog always tries to cuddle up close to me whenever I sit down to read.
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It was freezing outside, so we decided to cuddle up close by the fireplace.
It was freezing outside, so we decided to cuddle up close by the fireplace.
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She loves to cuddle up close under a heavy blanket on cold winter nights.
She loves to cuddle up close under a heavy blanket on cold winter nights.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We cuddled up closely to stay warm.
✓ We cuddled up close to stay warm.
While 'closely' is an adverb, the idiomatic phrasal expression is 'cuddle up close', where 'close' acts as a flat adverb.
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✗ She cuddled up close with the pillow.
✓ She cuddled with the pillow.
When mentioning the target of the cuddling, use the preposition 'to' after 'cuddle up close', or simply use 'cuddle with'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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When the weather gets cold, all I want to do is ___ with a warm blanket.
💡 Nestle or snuggle tightly for warmth.
Show answer
cuddle up close
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The kids like to ___ to their dad while he reads them a bedtime story.
💡 Get physically near and cozy.
Show answer
cuddle up close