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push in

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When you push in, you go to the front of a line without waiting your turn — like cutting in line.

Literal meaning: To push yourself physically into something or some place.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To move to the front of a queue without waiting your turn, ignoring others who are already waiting.

"There was a long line at the ticket booth, and a man just pushed in right at the front."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To force something into a confined space by pushing.

"She managed to push in one more book before the shelf was completely full."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To intrude into a conversation or situation where you are not welcome.

"I was in the middle of an important discussion when my colleague just pushed in with his own opinion."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily British English for jumping a queue. Americans more commonly say 'cut in line' or 'budge.' Can also describe physically forcing something into a space.

Commonly used with

queue line crowd space gap

Forms

Base
push in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes in
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed in
yesterday
Past participle
pushed in
have + pp
-ing form
pushing in
continuous

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