# reel in

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/reel-in
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The store uses big sales to reel in new customers.
- The company offered a massive discount to reel in potential clients who were still undecided about the contract.
- By promising unrealistic returns on investment, the fraudulent firm managed to reel in dozens of unsuspecting retirees before the authorities intervened.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.