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dive in

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To start doing something right away without waiting or worrying.

Literal meaning: To jump headfirst into water.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To jump into water headfirst.

"The kids didn't hesitate — they just dove in and started splashing around."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To start an activity enthusiastically and without hesitation.

"Don't overthink it — just dive in and start writing."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To begin eating eagerly, often used as an invitation.

"The food is on the table — everyone dive in!"

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday speech and writing to encourage action. Often used as a command or suggestion: 'Just dive in!' The literal sense (jumping into water headfirst) is also common. The figurative sense encourages boldness.

Commonly used with

project task food work question topic

Forms

Base
dive in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dives in
he/she/it
Past simple
dived in
yesterday
Past participle
dived in
have + pp
-ing form
diving in
continuous

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Synonyms

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