Eggcorn Forum

“Close quarters” is an in-the-language expression with well-understood meaning. At times people may use the expression “closed quarters” to refer to a small, enclosed space. One could argue that this is a proper usage since it means what it means. I would argue that it is an eggcorn because it derives from a more well-accepted language construct. That is, one would be less likely to have juxtaposed the words “closed” and “quarters” if it weren’t for the widespread usage of “close quarters.” Just some food for thought there.

Examples:

How Not to Lie – The Bluetooth Deception – AOL Video
Not everyone can pull off fibbing to their friends under closed quarters. ... Not everyone can pull off fibbing to their friends under closed quarters. ...
video.aol.com/video-detail/how-not-to-lie-the-bl… – 79k – Similar pages
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/how-n … /765949006

Words Without Borders
He was born in the middle of nowhere on an expansive plain, grew up in forests, mountains, valleys, and expanses, and never slept in closed quarters, ...
www.wordswithoutborders.org/article.php?lab=rat – 33k – Similar pages
http://www.wordswithoutborders.org/article.php?lab=rat

Non Lethal Interference Grenade applications
... usually in closed quarters. A single explosion using pyrotechnics contained within the device traditionally generates the flash and bang. ...
www.mide.com/technology/mig44_apps.php – 16k – Similar pages
http://www.mide.com/technology/mig44_apps.php

parents smoking marijuana around their children, how bad is …
Mar 2, 2008 … no probably not. if these parents are smoking weed in closed quarters (like in a car with the windows closed) with their kids may be …
www.steadyhealth.com/parents_smoking_marijuana_a… – 50k – Similar pages