# buy in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buy-in
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to support an idea or plan because you believe it will be successful.

For teachers: to accept or commit to a concept, policy, or proposal; often used in organizational contexts to describe stakeholder agreement.

## Examples

- I need the whole team to buy in to this new strategy.
- The manager spent weeks explaining the changes to ensure everyone would buy in before the launch.
- Without significant buy-in from the local community, the proposed infrastructure project is likely to face insurmountable political opposition.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They bought in the plan." but "They bought into the plan." — when followed by an object, the preposition 'into' or 'to' is usually required to show what is being supported.

## Usage notes

- often used with the preposition 'to' before the object of support.
- Teaching tip: this is a common 'business English' term; explain it as 'buying a share' in an idea to show you are invested in its success.

---

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.