# dive in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to start doing something with energy and without waiting. You use this when you want to begin a task or a meal right away.

For teachers: to initiate an activity or task with enthusiasm and without hesitation. This phrasal verb is intransitive and functions as a prompt or a description of a vigorous start.

## Examples

- The dinner is ready, so everyone please dive in.
- Instead of spending weeks on research, the developers decided to dive in and build a basic version of the app.
- The new CEO chose to dive in immediately, restructuring the department within her first week to address the long-standing efficiency issues.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We should dive in the discussion." but "We should dive into the discussion." — use 'dive into' when followed by a noun; 'dive in' is used alone without an object.

## Usage notes

- usually used without an object to describe starting a task or eating.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'dive into', which requires a following noun; 'dive in' is the intransitive counterpart used for encouragement.

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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.