key in

key in

1. To type something in using a computer keyboard or a keypad. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "key" and "in." If you key in the right code, the alarm will stop beeping. Can your intern key this data in for me?
2. To recognize and focus on something. If you want to retain more employees, you need to key in on the things that are important to them.
3. To inform someone of something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "key" and "in." Can you key me in on Pete's plans for this new project?
See also: key
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

key in

v.
1. To enter something as data into a computer system or program using a keyboard; input something: I keyed the statistics in and analyzed the patterns. The researcher keyed in the results of the experiment and printed out a copy.
2. To become aware of or responsive to someone or something: If they are going to be good leaders, they need to key in to the needs of the voters. We stated our complaints very clearly, but the manager hasn't keyed in.
3. To cause someone to become aware of or responsive to someone or something: We don't know the strategy yet, but you can key us in. The manager keyed in the employees to the new dress code.
See also: key
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • key into (something)
  • key off
  • off key
  • off-key
  • high-key
  • hot wire
  • wired
  • wiring
  • bung
  • bung in
References in periodicals archive
Key ins: Jamie Ness (Rangers) Key outs: Salif Diao, Ricardo Fuller, Tom Soares, Jonathan Woodgate (released), Danny Collins (Nottingham Forest).
Key ins: James Collins (Aston Villa), Stephen Henderson (Portsmouth), Mohamed Diame (Wigan), Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton), George McCartney (Sunderland).
Key ins: Ben Foster (Birmingham), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen).
Key ins: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Hoffenheim), Jan Vertonghen (Ajax).
We'll silence doubters and keep our top flight spot again, insists Ash
Coach: Shaun McRae Last season: 13th Key ins: Matty Smith, Steve Tyrer, Ashley Gibson Outs: John Wilshere, Craig Stapleton, Robbie Paul Prospects: Delay on new ground hangs over Reds, who have lost key man Richie Myler to Warrington for pounds 200,000.
Coach: Mick Potter Last season: 2nd & GF r-up Key ins: Sia Soliola, Nick Fozzard, Scott Moore Outs: Sean Long, Lee Gilmour Prospects: Long's departure will be compensated by bright spark Kyle Eastmond, but the Saints haven't got the all-round firepower of Leeds.
Coach: John Kear Last season: 5th Key ins: Ben Jeffries, Terry Newton, Glenn Morrison, Shane Tronc, Darryl Millard, Paul Johnson, Paul King, Ryan Atkins Outs: Danny Sculthorpe, Oliver Wilkes, Scott Grix, Ryan Atkins, Steve Snitch, Tony Martin, Jamie Rooney, Ricky Bibey, Brad Drew, Frank Winterstein, James Stosic, Matt Petersen Prospects: Kear guided them into an unlikely play-off spot in 2009, but would struggle to repeat it if England come calling for the boss.
Coach: Tony Smith Last season: 10th Key ins: Ryan Atkins, Richie Myler, David Solomona Outs: Paul Johnson, Paul Rauhihi, Steve Pickersgill, Brian Carney Prospects: First Wembley win for 35 years tempered by 10th place finish.
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