1. To reduce the physical or metaphorical gap between two people or things; to move closer to someone or something
The runner began to close the distance between herself and the leader.
A corredora começou a encurtar a distância entre ela e a líder.
2. To narrow differences in opinion, understanding, or position between parties in a negotiation or relationship
Both countries are trying to close the distance in their trade negotiations.
Ambos os países estão tentando encurtar a distância em suas negociações comerciais.