Verb > Hem in
(+ object)
to sew down a folded edge of cloth on (something) : to give (something) a hem
hem the dress/skirt/trousers
The curtains need to be hemmed.
hem in (phrasal verb)
hem (someone or something) in or hem in (someone or something)
to surround (someone or something) very closely or in a way that makes movement or escape difficult – usually used as (be) hemmed in
The town is hemmed in by mountains on all sides.
He was hemmed in by reporters as he tried to leave the courthouse.
often used figuratively
He felt hemmed in by the school’s rules. (=he felt that the rules prevented him from acting freely)