1 B1 informal
To move to the front of a queue without waiting your turn, ignoring others who are already waiting.
"There was a long line at the ticket booth, and a man just pushed in right at the front."
inseparable
push in
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To force your way into a queue, space, or situation ahead of others, often rudely.
In plain English
When you push in, you go to the front of a line without waiting your turn — like cutting in line.
What does "push in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To force something into a confined space by pushing.
"She managed to push in one more book before the shelf was completely full."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To intrude into a conversation or situation where you are not welcome.
"I was in the middle of an important discussion when my colleague just pushed in with his own opinion."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push yourself physically into something or some place.
Actually means
When you push in, you go to the front of a line without waiting your turn — like cutting in line.
Usage tip
Primarily British English for jumping a queue. Americans more commonly say 'cut in line' or 'budge.' Can also describe physically forcing something into a space.
Words that pair with "push in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
queue line crowd space gap
How to conjugate "push in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
push in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes in
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed in
yesterday
Past participle
pushed in
have + pp
-ing form
pushing in
continuous
Hear "push in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "push in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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