enter in(to) (something)
1. To move into something. Once you enter into the parking garage, turn left. We have to wait in this long line just to enter into the venue? Ugh. You need to have a special clearance to enter into the building through that door.
2. To agree to something, such as a contract. It is common law that those who enter into a written agreement must adhere to the terms contained therein. You should really get your lawyer's input before you enter into a contract with anyone. Now Stan says that you entered into a verbal agreement with him about maintaining the hedges.
3. To sign up or enlist for something. I'm a pretty good singer, so I'm definitely entering in the talent show this year. You won't be able to enter into the advanced class next semester if you don't take the introductory course now. Volunteers will bring pamphlets around to anyone who wants to enter in the program today.
4. To sign someone else up for something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "enter" and "in(to)." I'm definitely entering Sasha into the talent show this year. She may be shy, but she's a great singer. Why would you enter me into a dancing contest? You know I'm stiff as can be! Please don't just enter me into these committee positions—talk to me about it first.
5. To submit something into something else, such as a competition. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "enter" and "in(to)." Your short story is fantastic! You really ought to enter it in the writing competition this year. I'm entering my painting into an art contest. I did enter my photo into the contest, but I never expected to win!
6. To become a part of or factor in something. Once my uncle's shortcomings entered into the dinner conversation, I knew that a fight was inevitable. If Mom and Dad think that alcohol will enter into the equation, they definitely won't let you go to that party. Come on, don't let your baggage from past relationships enter into your new one.
7. To join or begin to participate in something. Did you hear that Jody is entering into med school in the fall? The two countries have finally entered into treaty negotiations after two years of conflict. I specifically wore red and green to enter into the spirit of Christmas.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
enter into something
1. . Lit. to get into something. She entered into the house and immediately went to work. As the people entered into the cathedral, they became quiet.
2. Fig. to join in something; to participate in something. I couldn't get him to enter into the spirit of the party. She just loves to enter into things and have a good time with people.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
enter into
1. Participate in, take an active role or interest in, as in We had to think twice before we entered into these negotiations. [Late 1700s]
2. Become party to (a contract), bind oneself, as in The nations entered into a new agreement. [First half of 1500s]
3. Become a component, form a part of, as in Finances soon entered into the discussion. [Early 1700s]
4. Also, go into. Consider, investigate, as in The report entered into the effect of high interest rates, or Let's not go into that. [Mid-1500s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
enter into
v.1. To participate or take an active interest in something: After college, she entered into politics. The union and management have decided to enter into negotiations in order to settle the strike.
2. To enroll or register someone or something in some activity: I'm going to enter my dog into the competition.
3. To become party to a contract: The nations entered into a trade agreement.
4. To become a part of something: Financial matters entered into the discussion.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.