# butt in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/butt-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to interrupt a conversation or join an activity when you are not invited. You use this when someone is being a bit rude or annoying by speaking out of turn.

For teachers: to interrupt a conversation or activity rudely or uninvited. The verb is intransitive, though it frequently collocates with 'on' when an object is specified.

## Examples

- He always tries to butt in when we are talking.
- I was having a private chat with my manager when a colleague decided to butt in and ask about lunch.
- Although the junior analyst had several insights to share, he knew better than to butt in while the CEO was delivering the keynote address.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Don't butt in my business." but "Don't butt in on my business." — the phrasal verb requires the preposition 'on' if a specific activity or topic follows it.

## Usage notes

- usually used as an intransitive verb without a direct object.
- Teaching tip: highlight the physical metaphor of 'butting' like a goat to help students remember the sense of forceful or rude entry into a space.

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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.