1 B2 idiomatic informal
To involve someone in a situation, argument, or conflict against their will or without good reason.
"I don't want to be dragged in to their dispute — it's nothing to do with me."
separable
drag in
B2 informal separable transitive
To involve someone or something unnecessarily or by force in a situation.
In plain English
To make someone be part of something even though they don't want to be, or to mention something that isn't really relevant.
What does "drag in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To introduce a topic or issue into a conversation where it is not relevant.
"Why do you always drag in what happened ten years ago whenever we argue?"
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically drag (pull with force) someone or something into a space.
Actually means
To make someone be part of something even though they don't want to be, or to mention something that isn't really relevant.
Usage tip
Often implies criticism — the person being dragged in is innocent or reluctant. Also used to mean introducing a topic irrelevantly into a conversation. The physical sense (dragging someone into a place) also exists but is less common.
Words that pair with "drag in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
argument politics family name past discussion
How to conjugate "drag in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drag in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drags in
he/she/it
Past simple
draged in
yesterday
Past participle
draged in
have + pp
-ing form
draging in
continuous
Hear "drag in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "drag in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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