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start in on

B2 informal transitive

In simple words

To start telling someone off or complaining at them, or to begin doing a task

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To begin criticizing, nagging, or scolding a person persistently

"Every evening he came home, and his father would start in on him about finding a better job."

2 B1 informal

uncommon

To begin working on or eating something with energy

"Let's start in on the report now so we can finish by noon."

Usage notes

Primarily American English. When the object is a person, the phrase has a negative connotation of persistent criticism or nagging. When the object is a task or food, it is neutral and simply means 'to begin'.

Commonly used with

someone homework food chores project person

Forms

Base

start in on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

starts in on

he/she/it

Past simple

started in on

yesterday

Past participle

started in on

have + pp

-ing form

starting in on

continuous

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Synonyms

lecture nag lay into have a go at get after begin on

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