1 C1 idiomatic slang
(Very informal, rare) To involve someone in a fight or physical confrontation.
"Don't try to duke me in on your argument with him — that's got nothing to do with me."
separable
duke in
C1 slang separable transitive
An extremely rare and non-standard phrase, occasionally used informally to mean involving someone in a fight or confrontation.
In plain English
To bring someone into a fight or argument.
What does "duke in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Dukes' is slang for fists — so 'duke in' could theoretically mean to bring fists into something, but this usage is marginal.
Actually means
To bring someone into a fight or argument.
Usage tip
This is not a widely established phrasal verb and has no standard dictionary entry. It appears very occasionally in highly informal American speech. ESL learners should be aware of it for recognition purposes only. 'Duke it out' and 'duke out' are far more common.
Words that pair with "duke in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fight argument confrontation
How to conjugate "duke in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
duke in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dukes in
he/she/it
Past simple
duked in
yesterday
Past participle
duked in
have + pp
-ing form
duking in
continuous
Hear "duke in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "duke in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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