Monday, January 31, 2011

Horn in on


If you horn in on a conversation you are interrupting a conversation. Another way of saying to “horn in” is to “butt in”. Both are informal. Here the Rhinoceros is literally horning in on the conversation because he has a horn (the sharp thing on the end of his nose).

1. If I hear a tourist trying to speak Portuguese or Spanish and they are having difficulty communicating with the locals, sometimes I horn in on the conversation and help them.

2. If a tourist is paying too much for a souvenir, I might horn in on the conversation/ negotiation and tell them in English that they can definitely get a better price.

3. When you disagree with someone’s opinion, especially in a group of friends, it’s not a big deal to horn in on the conversation and give your 5 cents (give your opinion).


4. If you are overseas (abroad) and you hear somebody speaking in your language and with your regional accent, it is not uncommon to horn in on the conversation and ask them where they are from.

5. I’m fairly tolerant. I don’t really mind people horning in on my conversations.

2 comments :

  1. Do you usually horn in on other peoples' conversations? Write a comment here or on my Facebook page.

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  2. I think the hardest thing to lear of this phrasal verb is the pronunciation of the "ing" form. I've been at it several minutes and I don't think I pronounce it correctly, buff, I won't use "horning in on" ever.

    Joking, I'll always try to learn and pronounce new vocab.

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