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rope in

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To talk someone into helping you with something, even if they didn't really want to.

Literal meaning: To pull someone in by a rope — as if lassoing them into involvement.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

volunteer friend colleague help committee project task event

Forms

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

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