rope in

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To cause (someone) to become involved in something they are reluctant to do; to draw into something.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

In March last year, the Supreme Court had set aside its own 2009 judgment and set six convicts free, who were earlier sent to death row. […] The Supreme Court said the six men were falsely implicated and roped in by the police.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rope in” mean?

To cause (someone) to become involved in something they are reluctant to do; to draw into something.

Is “rope in” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.