push in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, slightly negative connotation.
Quick answer
What does “push in” mean?
To move oneself or something forward into a space, especially rudely or without waiting for one's turn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move oneself or something forward into a space, especially rudely or without waiting for one's turn.
To interrupt or insert oneself into a conversation, queue, or situation without invitation or proper sequence; to force one's way in.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with the same core meaning. The noun 'push-in' (referring to a person who pushes in) is more common in UK English. US English may more readily use 'cut in line' or 'budge in line' for the queue context.
Connotations
Equally negative in both, associated with bad manners and lack of consideration.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, especially in queue-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “push in” in a Sentence
[Someone] pushes in.[Someone] pushes in (to/into [something]).Don't push in!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “push in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just pushed in at the bus stop.
- It's so rude to push in when people have been waiting.
American English
- She pushed in line right in front of me.
- Don't let him push in at the ticket counter.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He's a push-in merchant, always trying it on.
- (Less common, informal)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adjective in AmE)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business, but can describe someone aggressively inserting themselves into a project or meeting.
Academic
Very rare in academic writing.
Everyday
Common in everyday speech, especially when complaining about queue-jumping or interruptions.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “push in”
- Using 'push in' for polite entering (use 'go in' or 'enter').
- Confusing with 'push into' (which requires an object: 'push him into the pool').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for physical lines, it can metaphorically describe interrupting a conversation or process.
They are very similar. 'Cut in' is slightly more common in American English, while 'push in' is strong in British English. 'Push in' can imply more physical force.
It's informal. In a formal complaint, use phrases like 'jumped the queue', 'failed to wait their turn', or 'interrupted procedurally'.
To 'wait your turn', 'queue politely', or 'take your place at the back'.
To move oneself or something forward into a space, especially rudely or without waiting for one's turn.
Push in: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʊʃ ˈɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʊʃ ˈɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “push in front”
- “push your way in”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone physically PUSHing their body INto a line of people waiting.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL ORDER IS A PHYSICAL LINE/SPACE (violating it is a physical intrusion).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is 'push in' most appropriately used?