1 B2 idiomatic informal
To attack or criticise someone harshly and forcefully.
"The senator lit into his opponent over the budget proposals during the debate."
inseparable
light into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To attack, criticise, or start doing something energetically and with full force.
In plain English
To really go after someone or something — either hitting them, yelling at them, or starting a task with a lot of energy.
What does "light into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To begin a task, meal, or activity with great energy and enthusiasm.
"The hungry workers lit into the food the moment it was set on the table."
inseparable
Usage tip
Chiefly American English, especially in informal and Southern regional speech. Used both for physical attacks and for verbal criticism. Also used for attacking a task or meal with enthusiasm.
Words that pair with "light into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
critic opponent meal task speech work
How to conjugate "light into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
light into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lights into
he/she/it
Past simple
lighted into
yesterday
Past participle
lighted into
have + pp
-ing form
lighting into
continuous
Hear "light into" in the wild
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Other ways to say "light into"
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