Be in on Meaning in English
expression
ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
BEE IN AHN
bˈiː/ /ˈɪn/ /ˈɒn
BEE IN ON
Definition
To be involved with or have knowledge about a plan, secret, or activity, often something that not everyone knows.
Usage & Nuances
Common in spoken and informal English to express inclusion in plans or secrets. Usually followed by 'the' plus the activity ('be in on the joke', 'be in on the surprise'). Not used for general group membership.
Spanish: estar al tanto de - estar involucrado enPortuguese (BR): estar por dentro de - estar envolvido emPortuguese (PT): estar por dentro de - estar envolvido emChinese (Simplified): 参与 - 知情Chinese (Traditional): 參與 - 知情Hindi: शामिल होना - जानकार होनाArabic: يشارك في - على علم بـBengali: অংশ নেওয়া - জড়িত থাকা - জানার মধ্যে থাকাRussian: участвовать - быть посвящённымJapanese: 関わっている - 知っているVietnamese: tham gia - biết vềKorean: 알고 있다 - 참여하다Turkish: dahil olmak - haberdar olmakUrdu: شامل ہونا - جانناIndonesian: ikut serta - mengetahui
Example Sentences
Are you in on the plan for Sarah's birthday?
basic
Not everyone was in on the secret.
basic
Who else is in on this joke?
basic
I can't believe you were in on it the whole time!
natural
If you want to be in on the surprise, keep it a secret.
natural
They let me be in on the meeting because I had useful information.
natural