What does the phrasal verb “drop someone in” mean?

What are the definitions of “drop someone in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Get someone into trouble.

  I really DROPPED him IN IT when I told them what he'd done.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drop someone in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drop someone in is to get someone into trouble, usually by revealing their actions or mistakes to others. This can lead to negative consequences for the person involved.

What are the different verb forms of “drop someone in”?

Root Verb	drop someone in
Third Person Singular Present	drops someone in
Present Participle	dropping someone in
Simple Past	dropped someone in
Past Participle	dropped someone in

Example

I didn't mean to drop her in by telling her secret.

Example

He always drops people in when he gossips.

Example

She is dropping him in by telling the boss about his mistake.

Example

Yesterday, I accidentally dropped her in by mentioning her absence.

Example

He felt guilty after he had dropped his friend in by revealing his secret.

What kind of phrasal verb is “drop someone in”?

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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

“drop someone 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

I dropped him in by telling the teacher he cheated.

Example

She dropped her friend in by revealing her secret.

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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

“drop someone 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

I dropped him in by telling the teacher he cheated.

Example

She dropped her friend in by revealing her secret.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drop someone in”?

Drop someone in it

To get someone into trouble, especially by revealing their actions or mistakes.

Example

I really dropped him in it when I told them what he'd done.

Good things to know

Does “drop someone in” have an informal or formal tone?

Drop someone in is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or writing. In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like 'get someone into trouble' or 'cause problems for someone' instead.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “drop someone in”?

Synonyms

• get someone into trouble
• cause problems for someone
• expose someone's actions
• reveal someone's mistakes

Antonyms

• protect someone
• defend someone
• cover for someone
• keep someone's secret