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pop in

B1 informal mixed both
In simple words

To visit someone quickly without planning it much in advance.

Literal meaning: 'Pop' suggests a quick, light movement; 'in' indicates entering — together they convey a brief, effortless entry or visit.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To make a short, often unannounced visit to someone or somewhere.

"Feel free to pop in for a cup of tea any time you're passing."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 informal

To place something quickly inside something else.

"Just pop the casserole in the oven at 180 degrees for forty minutes."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 informal

To enter a place quickly for a short purpose.

"I just need to pop in to the bank — it'll only take a minute."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in informal British English. Can be used without an object ('pop in for a minute') or with one ('pop something in the oven'). When used transitively with an object, it means to quickly place something inside something else.

Commonly used with

visit quickly briefly anytime see someone oven

Forms

Base
pop in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops in
he/she/it
Past simple
poped in
yesterday
Past participle
poped in
have + pp
-ing form
poping in
continuous

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