horn in on

Idioms

Intrude, join without being invited. For example, She has a rude way of horning in on our conversations. This expression alludes to an ox or bull pushing in with its horns. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s actively working to horn in on Greenland minerals projects, in particular high-grade resources that China lacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Do NOT let them horn in on such an important time.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2022

My concern that he had the coronavirus seemed dramatic, like we were trying to horn in on a trend.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2020

For a father to horn in on his son’s success to enrich his ego and wallet is both disgusting and pathetic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2017

‘Yep. In the shop. That squeak-pig is trying to horn in on breakfast.’

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023