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roll in

B1 informal intransitive
In simple words

To arrive — either in big amounts (like money), or when a person shows up relaxed and maybe late.

Literal meaning: To enter a space by rolling — the fog or tide rolling in retains the literal image.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To arrive in large or steady amounts, especially money, orders, or messages.

"Once the advert went live, the orders started rolling in."

2 B1 idiomatic informal

To arrive somewhere casually, often late or unannounced.

"He rolled in at midnight without a word of explanation."

3 B1 neutral

(Of weather, fog, or tide) to move in and cover an area.

"A thick sea fog rolled in overnight and grounded all the flights."

Usage notes

The 'arrive casually/late' sense (of people) often carries mild disapproval. The 'money rolling in' sense is very common and positive. Also used for fog, clouds, or tide coming in physically. All senses are informal or neutral.

Commonly used with

money cash profits orders fog tide waves complaints results

Forms

Base
roll in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rolls in
he/she/it
Past simple
rolled in
yesterday
Past participle
rolled in
have + pp
-ing form
rolling in
continuous

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