tap in

To enter public transport by touching your travel card or phone against a reader.

• Tap in at the station gate.
• I tapped in with my phone this morning.
• Did you remember to tap in before boarding the train?

How to use it: tap in with something (You can tap in with your bank card.)

Opposites: tap out

Common phrases: tap in here, tap in with something

To score an easy football goal by kicking the ball from very close without anyone stopping you.

• He tapped in the loose ball.
• The striker tapped in a low cross after the goalkeeper fell.
• Can she tap it in before the defender gets back?

How to use it: tap something in (She tapped the ball in from two yards.)

Common phrases: tap in a rebound, tap in the ball

To take someone else’s place in an activity so they can stop or rest.

• I am tired; can you tap in?
• She tapped in for her partner after an hour.
• Another volunteer will tap in when your shift ends.

How to use it: tap in for someone (Can you tap in for me while I rest?)

Similar words: take over, substitute

Common phrases: tap in for someone, tap in now

To contact someone, often by phone.

• Tap in with me tonight.
• She tapped in with her friends after work.
• I will tap in tomorrow so we can discuss the plan.

How to use it: tap in with someone (Tap in with me when you reach town.)

Similar words: contact, call, get in touch

Common phrases: tap in with someone, tap in later

In football, an easy shot into the goal from very close, with nobody able to stop it.

• The striker scored a tap-in.
• Her cross gave him an easy tap-in at the far post.
• He missed a simple tap-in with the goalkeeper on the ground.

Common phrases: easy tap in, simple tap in

In golf, a very short, easy shot that sends the ball into the hole.

• He missed an easy tap-in.
• Her first putt left a short tap-in for par.
• The golfer finished the hole with a tap-in.

Similar words: short putt

Common phrases: easy tap in, short tap in