1 B2 idiomatic informal
To intrude uninvited into a conversation, situation, or activity.
"He always horns in on our team meetings even though he's not part of the project."
horn in
B2 informal intransitive
To intrude on a situation, conversation, or activity without being invited, often to gain an advantage.
In plain English
Push yourself into something that isn't your business or that you weren't asked to join.
What does "horn in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To push into a business deal or profitable situation that others control, in order to take a share.
"A rival firm tried to horn in on the contract at the last minute."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push in using a horn (as an animal forces its way through with its horns).
Actually means
Push yourself into something that isn't your business or that you weren't asked to join.
Usage tip
Usually followed by 'on': 'horn in on something'. Implies unwelcome intrusion, often with a suggestion of selfishness or opportunism. More common in American English. Slightly old-fashioned.
Words that pair with "horn in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
conversation deal territory business meeting profits
How to conjugate "horn in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
horn in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
horns in
he/she/it
Past simple
horned in
yesterday
Past participle
horned in
have + pp
-ing form
horning in
continuous
Hear "horn in" in the wild
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