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wade in

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To jump into a difficult conversation or fight without being afraid or careful.

Literal meaning: To walk into shallow water — the idiomatic use extends this to entering difficult situations.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To enter a debate, argument, or conflict boldly, often without being asked or without considering consequences.

"Before anyone could stop him, he waded in with his opinion and made everything worse."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To begin a task with energy and commitment, especially a large or difficult one.

"She waded in and started cleaning up the warehouse without waiting for instructions."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

(Literal) To walk into water or a wet, soft substance.

"The children waded in up to their knees, laughing at the cold water."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often implies the subject is entering a conflict, debate, or difficult task boldly and perhaps recklessly. The image is of walking into water — you don't stop at the edge. Common in British English. Occasionally used literally.

Commonly used with

debate argument fight discussion controversy task

Forms

Base
wade in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wades in
he/she/it
Past simple
waded in
yesterday
Past participle
waded in
have + pp
-ing form
wading in
continuous

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Synonyms

dive in plunge in pitch in step in intervene weigh in

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