close something up—
1. (of a well) close by filling up:
- We must close up the old well, it’s dangerous.
2. (of a road) close by blocking:
- Leaving town I saw a few signs saying that the road was closed up ahead.
3. cause smth. to join together:
- Children have to learn to close up their letters when writing.
4. (of a building, shop, etc.) close (for a short time):
- We are closing up the house for the weekend.
shut something up —(of a building, shop, etc.) close securely; make safe by locking:
- We’re going to shut the house up for the summer while we are away.