1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Australian/NZ, informal) To begin eating enthusiastically; to dig in.
"The barbecue was ready, so everyone hoed in without waiting for a signal."
inseparable
hoe in
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To begin eating with enthusiasm, or to tackle a task energetically.
In plain English
To start eating or working really fast and with lots of energy.
What does "hoe in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Australian/NZ, informal) To attack a task or piece of work with energy and enthusiasm.
"We need to hoe in and finish the report before the end of the day."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To drive a hoe into the soil — the sense of energetic action is a metaphorical extension.
Actually means
To start eating or working really fast and with lots of energy.
Usage tip
Primarily Australian and New Zealand informal English. Rare in British or American English. Equivalent to 'dig in' or 'tuck in.' Often used as an invitation to start eating.
Words that pair with "hoe in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
meal food work task project
How to conjugate "hoe in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hoe in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hoes in
he/she/it
Past simple
hoed in
yesterday
Past participle
hoed in
have + pp
-ing form
hoing in
continuous
Hear "hoe in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hoe in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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