start in on
Idioms-
Begin doing something, as in We started right in on the repairs . Also see start in .
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Attack, especially verbally, as in Nancy keeps starting in on Carl, complaining about the errors in his work . [Early 1900s]
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.
Stop down for a 20-minute meditation break I’ll usually meditate for a second time before I start in on cooking or whatever the evening’s activities are going to be.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2024
Clemente said another batch of students will start in on the collection when classes resume this fall.
From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2019
I struggle with some of the classics, but once I start in on a book, I tend to finish it.
From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2018
“But Kaitlyn, I’m reading 5,000 words of your diary right now. How can you even start in on this guy for lacking self-awareness?” you might say.
From The Verge • Sep. 1, 2017
In fact, I have to finish writing down Tla’s recipe on a card so I can start in on my thank-you notes.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
