Phrasal verb
brick in
Definition
phrasal verb. To build a wall of bricks around something or to fill an opening with bricks.
phrasal verb. To enclose an object or seal an aperture by surrounding or filling it with masonry. The verb is transitive and allows for object placement between the verb and particle.
Examples
“We are going to brick in the new barbecue this weekend.”
“The builders had to brick in the old doorway before they could start painting the exterior of the house.”
“To maintain the historical aesthetic of the facade, the restoration team had to brick in the damaged sections using reclaimed materials from the original site.”
Examples
simple
“We are going to brick in the new barbecue this weekend.”
contextual
“The builders had to brick in the old doorway before they could start painting the exterior of the house.”
complex
“To maintain the historical aesthetic of the facade, the restoration team had to brick in the damaged sections using reclaimed materials from the original site.”
Usage
Commonly used in home renovation and construction contexts.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'brick up'; while often interchangeable, 'brick in' more strongly suggests enclosing an object like a bathtub or a safe.
Pitfall
He bricked the fireplace.
He bricked in the fireplace.
The verb 'brick' requires the particle 'in' to describe the action of enclosing or filling a space.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
brick + in + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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