Reel in
verb
To pull in a fish that you have caught on your fishing line.
He managed to reel in a huge fish after struggling for an hour.
Often appears as...
- reel in a fish
- reel in the line
verb
To attract someone or something towards oneself or to guide them in a specified direction.
The company used attractive offers to reel in new customers.
Often appears as...
- reel in customers
- reel in support
Usage tips
Approving
verb
To gain control or possession of something or someone.
After lots of effort, the police managed to reel in the main suspect.
Often appears as...
- reel in a suspect
- reel in profits
verb
To reduce or limit something that has been allowed to spread or develop freely.
He needs to reel in his spending if he wants to save money.
Often appears as...
- reel in spending
- reel in ambitions
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To pull in a fish that you have caught on your fishing line.
He managed to reel in a huge fish after struggling for an hour.
Often appears as...
- reel in a fish
- reel in the line
verb
To attract someone or something towards oneself or to guide them in a specified direction.
The company used attractive offers to reel in new customers.
Often appears as...
- reel in customers
- reel in support
Usage tips
Approving
verb
To gain control or possession of something or someone.
After lots of effort, the police managed to reel in the main suspect.
Often appears as...
- reel in a suspect
- reel in profits
verb
To reduce or limit something that has been allowed to spread or develop freely.
He needs to reel in his spending if he wants to save money.
Often appears as...
- reel in spending
- reel in ambitions
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Fishing Origin
Originally describes a literal action in fishing, often involving a rod.
She spent the afternoon learning how to reel in the catch.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to suggest pulling in anything, not just fish.
They are trying hard to reel in some big investors.
Pro Tip 1/2Fishing Origin
Originally describes a literal action in fishing, often involving a rod.
She spent the afternoon learning how to reel in the catch.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to suggest pulling in anything, not just fish.
They are trying hard to reel in some big investors.
Pro Tip 1/2Fishing Origin
Originally describes a literal action in fishing, often involving a rod.
She spent the afternoon learning how to reel in the catch.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to suggest pulling in anything, not just fish.
They are trying hard to reel in some big investors.
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