Phone in Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To report something or participate in an activity by phone, often instead of being there in person. Informally, it also means to do something without much effort or enthusiasm.
Usage & Nuances
'Phone in' can be literal (contacting or participating by phone) or figurative (doing the minimum required, lacking effort). Common in work or media contexts: 'phone in a report,' 'phone in sick,' or 'phone in your performance' (do something carelessly).
Example Sentences
I will phone in my report this afternoon.
basic
Many employees had to phone in sick during the flu season.
basic
He decided to phone in rather than attend the meeting in person.
basic
Sometimes when I'm really tired, I just phone in my work.
natural
You can't just phone in your performance if you want to impress the boss.
natural
With new technology, some callers can phone in to radio shows from anywhere.
natural