What are the definitions of “do in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Kill.
After he reported the gang, he feared they would DO him IN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “do in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb do in is to kill or murder someone. It is often used in crime stories or when talking about dangerous situations.
What are the different verb forms of “do in”?
| Root Verb | do in |
| Third Person Singular Present | does in |
| Present Participle | doing in |
| Simple Past | did in |
| Past Participle | done in |
Example
The villain planned to do in the hero.
Example
He does in his enemies without hesitation.
Example
The gang is doing in anyone who crosses them.
Example
The assassin did in the target quickly.
Example
The victim was done in by an unknown assailant.
What kind of phrasal verb is “do in”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“do in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The mob boss did in the traitor.
Example
The villain did the hero in.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“do in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The mob boss did in the traitor.
Example
The villain did the hero in.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “do in”?
Good things to know
Does “do in” have an informal or formal tone?
Do in is an informal phrasal verb. It is often used in casual conversations, crime stories, or when discussing dangerous situations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
