muscle in on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To push your way into something that someone else controls, using force or pressure.
Literal meaning: To use one's muscles (strength) to push in on someone else's space — a transparent but vivid metaphor.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To force your way into a situation, business, or territory controlled by others, in order to claim a share.
"A foreign company tried to muscle in on the domestic firm's market share."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Requires a direct object — you always muscle in on something or someone's territory. Frequently used in discussions of organised crime, business competition, and politics. The 'on' is a required part of the structure.
Commonly used with
territory turf market deal racket business
Forms
Base
muscle in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
muscles in on
he/she/it
Past simple
muscled in on
yesterday
Past participle
muscled in on
have + pp
-ing form
muscling in on
continuous
Understand "muscle in on" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
encroach on intrude on horn in on push in on elbow in on invade
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "muscle in on" on Looplines