What does "tap into" mean (sense 1)?

To access and make use of a resource, ability, or source of supply that was previously unused or underused. Example: "The programme is designed to help young people tap into their creative potential."

What does "tap into" mean (sense 2)?

To connect to or access a system, network, or communication channel, sometimes secretly. Example: "Security services were accused of tapping into private phone calls."

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tap into

B2 neutral inseparable transitive

To access or make use of a source of something that was previously untapped or underused.

In plain English

To find a way to use something that was already there but not being used.

What does "tap into" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

very common

To access and make use of a resource, ability, or source of supply that was previously unused or underused.

"The programme is designed to help young people tap into their creative potential."

“

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves — if our children should live to see the next century, what change will they see? What progress will we have made? ... We need to tap into the ingenuity of the American people.
— Barack Obama, Victory Speech, Chicago, November 4, 2008

inseparable

2 B2 neutral

common

To connect to or access a system, network, or communication channel, sometimes secretly.

"Security services were accused of tapping into private phone calls."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To make a tap (a hole) into a pipe or resource in order to access what is inside.

Actually means

To find a way to use something that was already there but not being used.

Usage tip

Very common in business, education, and psychology. Often used with abstract nouns like 'potential', 'feelings', or 'market'. The metaphor comes from tapping into a water or oil pipe to access what flows inside. Also used in technology for accessing networks or systems.

Words that pair with "tap into"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

potential market emotions energy resources expertise feelings

How to conjugate "tap into"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

tap into

I/you/we/they

3rd person

taps into

he/she/it

Past simple

taped into

yesterday

Past participle

taped into

have + pp

-ing form

taping into

continuous

Hear "tap into" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "tap into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "tap" All phrasal verbs with "into" More B2-level phrasal verbs