pen in
pen in
1. To contain or confine someone or something in a pen or something that functions like a pen. A noun or pronoun can be used between "pen" and "in." I managed to pen in the piglets before they got away. Just make sure the kids are penned in out back and let them play amongst themselves.
2. To make time for someone or something in one's schedule or calendar. A noun or pronoun can be used between "pen" and "in." I don't have any open appointment slots today, but I should be able to pen you in for Tuesday. Let's pen in a follow-up meeting for next month.
See also: pen
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
pen (someone or an animal) in (some place)
to confine someone or an animal in a pen. We penned all the kids in out in the backyard while we got the party things ready in the house. We had to pen in the kids to keep them away from the traffic. Alice penned her dog in.
See also: pen
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
pen in
v.
To confine someone or something in or as if in a pen: The farmer penned the pigs in for the night. If you don't pen in the chickens, the wolves will get them.
See also: pen
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- pen up
- (someone or something) promises well
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- (have) got something going (with someone)
- a crack at (someone or something)
- a ghost at the feast
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- a bird in hand
- a bird in the hand
- a fast talker