muscle in
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To push your way into something that isn't yours, using force or pressure.
Literal meaning: To use physical muscle (strength) to push in — a fairly direct metaphor of physical force applied to a situation.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To force your way into a situation or group in order to get a share of the power, profits, or benefits.
"Rival gangs began to muscle in when they saw how profitable the operation was."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in contexts involving organised crime, business competition, or politics. Implies the intruder has no legitimate right to be there and uses power rather than right to enter. Common in journalistic writing.
Commonly used with
territory market business deal conversation competition
Forms
Base
muscle in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
muscles in
he/she/it
Past simple
muscled in
yesterday
Past participle
muscled in
have + pp
-ing form
muscling in
continuous
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Synonyms
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