start in on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To make a start on; to begin to tackle.
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
She started in on the closet, hoisting boxes from the shelf and placing them on the floor.
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).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To attack verbally or physically.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “start in on” mean?
To make a start on; to begin to tackle.
Is “start in on” formal or informal?
start in on is generally informal.