Describing something that directly affects or relates to a person's personal life, immediate surroundings, or deeply felt experiences. It often implies an emotional impact or resonance, making the subject matter relatable, poignant, and often uncomfortable to confront. The phrase can signify personal connection, direct relevance, or a potential vulnerability. It could also apply to issues or situations that touch upon familiar and intimate aspects of an individual's existence, triggering empathy, introspection, or even defensiveness. Furthermore, 'close-to-home' can describe something felt or experienced by one individual, yet relatable to larger groups of people, or even to the entire human race. The concept emphasizes the individual's experience and emotional engagement rather than the simple presentation of facts. It could include any information, regardless of subject matter, with a high degree of individual and emotional significance, making the individual feel personally invested in the issue or situation.
Close-to-home meaning with examples
- The documentary about the struggling local businesses felt close-to-home for Sarah, whose family owned a small shop that recently closed. Witnessing the hardships and resilience of the owners stirred memories and anxieties about her family's past, evoking sadness and an understanding of economic forces.
- The author's exploration of marital infidelity was close-to-home for many readers. The raw emotions and intimate details resonated deeply, prompting self-reflection and discussions about trust, commitment, and the fragility of relationships amongst even the most loving of spouses, creating emotional responses.
- The politician's speech about healthcare reform, highlighting the challenges faced by families, was designed to be close-to-home. By emphasizing personal stories and relatable scenarios, he aimed to connect with voters on an emotional level and mobilize them around an important issue. This created powerful feelings.
- The unexpected job loss was a close-to-home experience for Mark. It triggered anxiety about his financial security, forcing him to reassess his priorities and lifestyle. This profound event made him reflect on job security, career prospects, and the unexpected nature of life, creating change.
- The journalist's investigation into the local pollution scandal was a close-to-home story for the community. The residents saw themselves in the story of health risks, feeling a mixture of anger, fear, and a shared determination to protect their environment and community.