channel (something) in(to) (something)

1. To force something, usually a liquid, to travel into something through a channel. We had to channel water in from the river after our pipes burst. Once she's hooked up to an IV, we'll be able to channel a high dose of medicine into her body. Well, I hope you have a funnel on hand for when you channel the oil into the engine.

2. To allocate or give resources, such as money or time, to a particular venture or goal. How much money do you think the company would be willing to channel into this initiative? I have channeled my time into teaching elementary school students for 40 years, and I don't regret one second of it. Our start-up won't make much progress until we find investors willing to channel cash into it.

3. To direct or release something, often energy or an emotion, into something else. With all the red paint, I'm not surprised to hear that the artist channeled a lot of anger into this piece. You need to channel your frustration into something positive. Come on a run with me. I'm glad to hear she's found a fulfilling hobby to channel her grief into.

channel (something) off

1. To remove or redirect something, usually a liquid, through a channel. You move things to higher ground while I try to channel some of this water off. Quick, get a funnel or something so we can channel this oil off. Whoa, these floodwaters are pretty deep. We'll need stronger equipment to channel them off.

2. To squander resources, such as money or time. Look, the company won't give us any more money for this initiative if those guys keep channeling it off. Mom and Dad won't bail you out with rent money this time if you channel your whole paycheck off. Hey, quit channeling your time off and get to work on your book report!