jump in

To start taking part in an activity quickly, often without waiting or preparing.

• Anyone can jump in and help.
• She jumped in before we had explained the game.
• Are you ready to jump in and start working?

How to use it: jump in and do something (Feel free to jump in and help.)

Similar words: join in, get involved

Common phrases: jump in immediately, jump in together

To get into something quickly, especially a car or another vehicle.

• Jump in the car.
• He jumped in the van and drove away.
• Can we all jump in this taxi?

How to use it: jump in a vehicle (She jumped in the taxi and gave the driver an address.)

Similar words: hop in, get in

Opposites: get out

Common phrases: jump in something, jump in quickly

To start speaking before another person has finished.

• Sorry to jump in, but I disagree.
• She jumped in before he could finish his sentence.
• May I jump in with a question?

How to use it: jump in with something (He jumped in with a question before I finished.)

Similar words: interrupt, cut in, interject

Common phrases: jump in suddenly, jump in here

To move into something by pushing yourself into the air with your legs.

• The water looks lovely. Jump in!
• She jumped in the lake with her clothes on.
• Can we jump in from here?

How to use it: jump in something (The children jumped in the pool.)

Similar words: leap in

Common phrases: jump in water, jump in feet first

To admit someone to a gang by making them suffer a beating.

• The gang jumped in the new recruit.
• He was jumped in by several older gang members.
• They refused to join because they would have to be jumped in.

How to use it: jump someone in (The gang jumped him in before accepting him as a member.)

Similar words: haze

Common phrases: jump in someone, jump in recruits

To play a matching card before your turn, when a card game’s rules allow it.

• She jumped in with a matching card.
• Our rules let players jump in before their turn.
• Can I jump in if my card matches the top one?

How to use it: jump in with a card (You can jump in with an identical card under our house rules.)

Common phrases: jump in immediately, jump in legally