clap in
C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Everyone claps to say hello when someone walks in.
Literal meaning: To strike your palms together as someone enters (inward motion).
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To applaud as someone arrives or enters, as a gesture of welcome or honor.
"The staff lined the corridor to clap in the returning Olympic champion."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used in workplaces, schools, or ceremonies to honor someone entering a space. Common in British English for welcoming a retiring colleague's replacement or a new team member on their first day.
Commonly used with
new employee guest player honoree colleague
Forms
Base
clap in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
claps in
he/she/it
Past simple
claped in
yesterday
Past participle
claped in
have + pp
-ing form
claping in
continuous
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