reel in — to pull something in by winding a line or rope on a reel
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to pull something in by winding a line or rope on a reel
Pronunciation (IPA): /riːl ɪn/
Example Sentences
- The dating app's new feature helped users reel in more matches than ever before.
- She managed to reel in three job offers after her impressive presentation.
- The bakery's free sample strategy successfully reeled in hungry customers all day long.
reel in
VERB[/riːl ɪn/]
to pull something in by winding a line or rope on a reel
the fisherman reeling in his catch by winding the line on the reel
Reel in the catch while cats steal in to snatch!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal verb combines 'reel,' a tool for winding fishing line, with the preposition 'in.' Originally used in fishing contexts to describe the action of turning the reel to draw in a caught fish, the term gradually expanded to metaphorical use meaning 'to draw in' or 'to attract' more broadly.
Breakdown
reel (a rotating device for winding line or rope) + in (toward the inside or inward direction). The combination literally describes the mechanical action of reeling while directing motion inward.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dating app's new feature helped users reel in more matches than ever before.”
“She managed to reel in three job offers after her impressive presentation.”
“The bakery's free sample strategy successfully reeled in hungry customers all day long.”
“It took him an hour to reel in the massive salmon from the river.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.