The term 'in close proximity' refers to being NEAR or next to something. This can be expressed in four different ways: NEAR (4 letters), side by side (10 letters), cheek by jowl (11 letters), and hand in glove (11 letters). NEAR implies a short distance, while side by side suggests two things placed together. Cheek by jowl implies two people or things very close together, and hand in glove implies two people or things working together in harmony.