put oar in
put (one's) oar in(to) (something)
1. To offer or express one's opinion (on some matter), even though it was not asked for or desired. I don't know why you feel you have to put your oar into every dispute Terry and I are having. The members of the board are perfectly capable of arriving at a decision of their own accord, so I'll thank you for not putting your oar in, Tom.
2. To involve oneself in an intrusive or nosy manner into something that is not one's business or responsibility. I wish my neighbors would quit putting their oars in and just leave us alone! Liam, don't put your oar into your brother's affairs—he can manage well enough on his own.
See also: oar, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
put one's oar in
and stick one's oar in; put one's two cents(' worth) inFig. to add one's comments or opinion, even if unwanted or unasked for. You don't need to put your oar in. I don't need your advice. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stuck my oar in when you were arguing with your wife. Do you mind if I put in my oar? I have a suggestion. There is no need for you to put in your two cents' worth.
See also: oar, put
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
put one's oar in, to
To insert one’s opinion; to interfere in someone else’s business. This term, with its analogy to contributing one’s efforts to rowing a boat, dates from the late sixteenth century. Charles Coffey used it in his play The Devil to Pay (1731): “I will govern my own house without your putting in an oar” (1:2).
See also: oar, put
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- put (one's) oar in(to) (something)
- put one's oar in
- put your oar in (something)
- put/stick your oar in
- put one's oar in, to
- (one's) cake is dough
- under control
- sell (one's) soul (to the devil)
- sell your soul
- have just one oar in the water