1 B2 neutral
to fasten something onto clothing or another surface with a pin
"She pinned on her name tag before the meeting."
separable
pin on
B2 neutral separable transitive
to fasten something with a pin, or to place blame or responsibility on someone
In plain English
to attach with a pin, or say something is someone's fault
What does "pin on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to place blame, responsibility, or expectation on someone or something
"It's unfair to pin the whole mistake on one employee."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to attach onto something with a pin
Actually means
to attach with a pin, or say something is someone's fault
Usage tip
Used literally for medals, badges, and flowers, and figuratively for blame or hopes.
Words that pair with "pin on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
badge medal flower blame responsibility hopes
How to conjugate "pin on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pin on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pins on
he/she/it
Past simple
pined on
yesterday
Past participle
pined on
have + pp
-ing form
pining on
continuous
Hear "pin on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pin on"
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Keep exploring
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