enlist in (something)
1. To voluntarily sign up for something. This phrase is often used in reference to the armed forces. A noun or pronoun can be used between "enlist" and "in." Did you hear that Jim wants to enlist in the military? He really feels compelled to fight for his country. If you think teaching is such a thankless job, then why did you enlist in it? I didn't enlist in the army—I only served in Vietnam because I got drafted.
2. To gather or obtain someone for some organization or purpose. This phrase is often used in reference to the armed forces. A noun or pronoun can be used between "enlist" and "in." Jim's father is a veteran and tried to enlist him in the military. Sorry I'm late, I got enlisted in the post-dance clean-up crew. I always manage to get enlisted in these planning committee meetings that last hours and accomplish nothing.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
enlist someone in something
to recruit someone into something; to recruit someone into the armed services. They tried to enlist me in the army, but I decided against it. David enlisted his brother in an organization that gave assistance to peasants in South America.
enlist(oneself) in something
to join something; to join the armed services. She decided not to enlist herself in the air force. Bill enlisted in the army.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.