stick in
Related to stick in: Stick insects
stick in
1. To become caught, lodged, or embedded inside of something. Something must have stuck in the drainpipe, which is causing the gutter to overflow. A large piece of meat stuck in the man's throat.
2. Of words, to have difficulty being expressed verbally. I wanted to apologize for what happened, but the words stuck in my throat. It's like praise always sticks in his mouth, so instead he just gives a vague nod of approval or something.
3. Of thoughts and ideas, to linger or become fixated upon in the mind. While we were talking I had a wild idea for a new phone app, and it just kind of stuck in my head. The thought stuck in her mind that perhaps Sean wasn't being entirely truthful.
4. To position something by pushing or thrusting it in(to something else). In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "stick" and "in." Let me go stick this letter in the mailbox. Once you stick the USB drive in, the computer should recognize it straight away.
5. To set something in(something or some place), especially roughly or without particular care. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stick" and "in." I'll go stick your bags in the spare room for you. Whenever I pack my kids' lunches, I always stick in a piece of fresh fruit.
6. Of a sharp or pointed object, to poke, prick or pierce someone or something. Someone's elbow was sticking in my side for the entire train ride. The tailor's pins kept sticking in me as he made adjustments to the suit.
7. To pierce (someone or something) with some sharp object. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "stick" and "in." The thief stuck a dagger in the man's back and made off with the briefcase. You stick these thumbtacks in the noticeboard to hold up important papers.
8. To enter something in a record of some kind. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stick" and "in." Let me stick that date in my calendar so I don't forget. He always sticks in a ton of personal details whenever he's writing a new novel.
9. To lodge or deposit some amount of money or credit into an account. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stick" and "in." My grandparents always stick $50 in my savings account for my birthday. A: "Mom, could you put some money in my checking account? I'm really struggling to pay my bills this month." B: "Sure thing, sweetie. I'll stick in $200—is that enough?"
10. To instruct, direct, or force someone to enter or remain in some place, especially in a careless or thoughtless manner. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is between "stick" and "in." The police stuck me in a holding cell for nearly 24 hours without letting me contact my family. Let's just stick everyone in the conference room while the technicians set up the new computers.
See also: stick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
stick in something
to remain embedded in something; to remain held in something. Do you think this will stick in the hole, or is it too small? A fish bone stuck in his throat for a while.
See also: stick
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- (you've) got to get up pretty early in the morning to (do something)
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- a crack at (someone or something)
- all right
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)