ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reel in

idiom
Meaning

To bring in (e.g. by attractive offers or persuasion); to lure.


Examples
SIMPLE

The store uses big sales to reel in new customers.

CONTEXTUAL

The company offered a massive discount to reel in potential clients who were still undecided about the contract.

COMPLEX

By promising unrealistic returns on investment, the fraudulent firm managed to reel in dozens of unsuspecting retirees before the authorities intervened.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    reel off

    To list effortlessly and quickly.

© 2026 English Reference