1 B2 idiomatic informal
To persuade or pressure someone to take part in an activity or help with something, often when they are unwilling.
"I got roped in to help set up the chairs before the conference."
separable
rope in
B2 informal separable transitive
To persuade or pressure someone to join in or help with something, often when they are reluctant.
In plain English
To talk someone into helping you with something, even if they didn't really want to.
What does "rope in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To recruit or involve someone in a team, project, or scheme.
"The charity managed to rope in several local celebrities for the fundraiser."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull someone in by a rope — as if lassoing them into involvement.
Actually means
To talk someone into helping you with something, even if they didn't really want to.
Usage tip
Commonly British English, though understood in American English too. Often implies mild reluctance on the part of the person being roped in. The image is of lassoing someone — pulling them in with a rope. Frequent in everyday conversation about tasks, events, and committees.
Words that pair with "rope in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
volunteer friend colleague help committee project task event
How to conjugate "rope in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rope in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ropes in
he/she/it
Past simple
roped in
yesterday
Past participle
roped in
have + pp
-ing form
roping in
continuous
Hear "rope in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rope in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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