Meaning & use

take in

phrase·Everyday

To deceive or trick someone into believing something false, or to allow someone to stay in one's home.

See it in a sentence

The scammer's polished website and fake reviews took in even careful, experienced shoppers.

They took in a foster dog while its owner recovered in the hospital.

A note on using this word

Take in has several unrelated meanings depending on context: to deceive, to shelter someone, to absorb information, or to shrink a garment.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. phrase

To absorb or fully understand information, especially by observing carefully.

She paused at the doorway to take in the view before stepping inside.

Make it your own

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