start in on
Idioms-
Begin doing something, as in We started right in on the repairs . Also see start in .
-
Attack, especially verbally, as in Nancy keeps starting in on Carl, complaining about the errors in his work . [Early 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After stepping back a few feet, only then does she ask how the person is planning to vote, and start in on the pitch for Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who has the backing of her union.
From New York Times
Jerri wanted to start in on the winery business because of the people and the atmosphere they build.
From Washington Times
I roll up my sleeves and start in on the cups, plates and bowls.
From New York Times
“But Kaitlyn, I’m reading 5,000 words of your diary right now. How can you even start in on this guy for lacking self-awareness?” you might say.
From The Verge
If you have no choice but to see it — a circumstance I have trouble imagining — you can start in on your drinking that much sooner.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
