drag (something) in(to) (something)

To bring something unwarranted into a particular situation, often in an aggressive manner. When we argue, he drags every one of my past misdeeds into the conversation—it's so frustrating! Come on, we're having a nice chat here—don't drag petty gossip into it. How does she manage to drag her grievances into every conversation?

drag in

1. To move or haul someone or something in(to something or some place) with great effort. A noun or pronoun can be used between "drag" and "in." The cat keeps dragging in dead birds and mice. His leg was broken, so we had to drag him in out of the storm. And how do you expect me to drag that dresser in here without a dolly?

2. To cause someone or something to trail along some surface. A noun or pronoun is used between "drag" and "in." The horse dragged me in the road for nearly 10 minutes before my foot finally came loose. Please don't drag your coat in the dirt like that! I don't want a wedding gown with a long train that's just gonna drag in the sand anyway.

3. To move some element of a graphical display on the screen of a computer, smartphone, or tablet in a particular direction, position, or location within the screen or device. A noun or pronoun is used between "drag" and "in." Just click and hold the picture, then drag it in the folder where you want it stored. I think there's a bug in this app, because I can't drag the icon in the right position anymore. Now, just drag in the image you want to attach to the email.

4. To force, impel, involve, or convince someone to go or come into somewhere undesirable. A noun or pronoun can be used between "drag" and "in." I really didn't want to be here today, but my husband dragged me in. I always have to drag in the kids for supper during the summer. My daughter is terrified of the dentist, so I basically have to drag her in every time.

5. To involve or bring up someone or something in a conversation, especially when doing so is unwarranted or uncalled for. A noun or pronoun can be used between "drag" and "in." Please don't drag the kids in like that—they've got nothing to do with this! He's always dragging in that incident from two years ago to undermine my ability to make decisions. Come on, we're having a nice chat here—don't drag in petty gossip.

drag in

Introduce unnecessarily or forcefully. For example, The defense tried to drag in every scrap of evidence, relevant or not. [Mid-1800s] Also see look like something the cat dragged in.