instill (something) in(to) (someone or something)
instill (something) in(to) (someone or something)
1. To put forth effort so that someone learns or remembers something. She really needs to instill a sense of respect for others into her kids, sheesh.
2. By extension, to add or introduce something into a particular situation. You can always count on Leah to instill some humor into a grim conversation.
See also: instill
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
instill something in (to) someone
to impress something into someone's mind. You need to remember your manners. I want to instill that into you. Good manners were instilled in me at home.
See also: instill
instill something in(to) something
to add something to a situation. The presence of the mayor instilled a legitimacy into the proceedings. Sharon sought to instill a little levity in the meeting.
See also: instill
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- instill in
- inculcate
- inculcate (someone) with (something)
- inculcate with
- inculcate (something) in(to) (someone)
- inculcate in
- beat (something) in
- hurl (someone or something) at (someone or something)
- hurl at
- sheesh