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.
A lot of my gay friends, particularly the eccentric ones, will say the same thing, because when you’re walking down the street looking weird, you never know who might start in on you.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023
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
I return, wipe off my tray, and start in on the pear.
From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
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.
