invest in (oneself, someone, or something)

invest in (oneself, someone, or something)

1. To use money or other resources to attempt to improve oneself, someone, or something, with the hope that doing so brings future benefits. You need to start investing in your house before it just falls down. Yes, I'm taking a photography course—I'm investing in myself for a change.
2. To grant someone or something authority. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "invest" and "in." Don't invest power in that madman!
3. To purchase something that will be useful or advantageous in the future. You need to invest in some better equipment before you guys take your band on the road.
4. To dedicate oneself to some task or goal. In this usage, the phrase is used reflexively. If you would just invest yourself in doing the job right the first time, it wouldn't be such a hassle.
See also: invest
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

invest something in someone or something

 
1. to put money, time, effort, etc., into someone or something, hoping for a return. We will invest time and effort in Fred and make him into a recording star. Sharon invested a lot of money in the stock market.
2. to place power or authority under control of someone or something. The constitution has invested certain powers in the federal government and left the rest to the states. The law invests the power to arrest criminals in the sheriffs department.
See also: invest

invest in someone or something

to put resources into someone or something in hopes of increasing the value of the person or thing. (The emphasis is on the act of investing.) We invested in Tom, and we have every right to expect a lot from him. She invested in junk bonds heavily.
See also: invest
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

invest in

v.
1. To commit money or capital to something in order to gain a financial return: We lost a lot of the money we had invested in the stock market last year. We invested $1,000 in stocks.
2. To spend money or time on something that will be beneficial in the future: Since winter is coming up, you might want to invest in a good coat.
3. To commit oneself to some purpose. Used reflexively: The teachers invested themselves in improving the school's curriculum.
See also: invest
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open for (something)
  • leave oneself wide open for
  • leave open
  • leave yourself wide open to something
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open to (something)
  • reproach (someone or something) with (something)
  • reproach with
  • keep (someone or something) in sight
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of (someone or something)