take in

What does "take in" mean?

1. To understand or absorb information
2. To deceive or trick someone
3. To make clothing smaller
4. To provide shelter for someone
5. To include or cover something

Examples

• There was so much information—it was hard to take it all in.
• Don't be taken in by his smooth talk—he's not trustworthy.
• I need to take in this dress at the waist.
• They took in refugees fleeing the war.
• The tour takes in all the major landmarks.

How to use it

'Be taken in by' means to be deceived. 'Take in the sights' means to look at and enjoy views.

Word order

Separable: 'take something in' or 'take in something'; 'take someone in'

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• take off

  To remove clothing or accessories

• take on

  To accept a responsibility, job, or challenge

• take up

  To start a new hobby, activity, or interest

• take over

  To gain control of something (company, position, responsibility)

• take out

  To remove something from a place

• take back

  To return something to a store