1) It was very cold and we huddled up all around the fire.
2) She curled up under the blanket and dropped off.
My question is: do these two verbs mean the same concept?
I think that these two verbs have got the same meaning, or at least, they have the same shade of meaning, but the first one is mostly used when for example it's cold or if we're scared of something so we can get closer to other people or hold our arms and legs close to our body, whereas the second one is mainly used to talk about someone (people or animals) sitting or lying comfortably on a sofa or a bed or something similar....
So, on the basis of this, I do not think they are interchangeable...
Am I right?
No, they are definitely not interchangeable.
Huddle and curl have different meanings.
John
Last edited by JohnParis; 15-Nov-2011 at 09:55.
I'm so sorry, I mistyped "leanings" when I should have written "meanings."
To huddle and to huddle up means to crowd together; nestle closely. This could be for many reasons. US Football players go into a huddle to discuss the next play they intend to execute on the field. Rugby players go into a huddle to position the ball. Campers huddle around campfires for warmth.
To curl up (as you have used it) means: to sit or lie with the knees drawn up : she curled up and went to sleep.
Lovers often curl up together to stay warm and sleep.
Two mountain climbers in danger of freezing would huddle together to stay warm and sleep.
John