1 B2 idiomatic informal
To be enclosed or trapped by heavy fog, cloud, or adverse weather, making travel — especially flying — impossible.
"The airport was completely socked in by fog, and all flights were cancelled."
inseparable
sock in
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To be made inaccessible or unable to travel due to heavy fog, cloud, or severe weather conditions.
In plain English
When bad weather, like thick fog, makes it impossible to fly or leave a place.
What does "sock in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To be prevented from leaving a location because of dangerous weather conditions.
"We were socked in at the mountain lodge for three days after the blizzard."
inseparable
Usage tip
Chiefly North American, especially used in aviation and mountain contexts. Usually appears in the passive construction 'socked in'. Common in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Canada.
Words that pair with "sock in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fog airport runway valley weather flight pilot
How to conjugate "sock in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sock in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
socks in
he/she/it
Past simple
socked in
yesterday
Past participle
socked in
have + pp
-ing form
socking in
continuous
Hear "sock in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sock in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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