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# we're not close

phrase (sentence, «we're not close»; «close» adjective = near or friendly)

«we're not close» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, polite) family members dislike each other, have fallen out or don't speak.
2. (literal) we do not live near each other; or we are not good friends.

### In the lessons

People say «we're not close» to explain a family split politely without telling the whole painful story; all English-speaking countries. It signals «don't ask more».

### Examples

- (polite) "Do you see your brother?" "We're not close."
- (gossip) They say the sisters aren't close — they haven't spoken in years.
- (chat) me and my dad aren't close tbh
- (literal) We're not close — she lives in Canada and I live in Ireland.
- (literal) I know him, but we're not close friends.
- (maths, literal) 47 and 53 are close; 3 and 300 are not close.

### Note

Trap: «close» (adjective, sound s) = near or friendly; «close» (verb, sound z) = shut. Often literal. When it is about family, don't push for details.