# suck in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suck-in
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to pull your stomach or cheeks inward by tightening your muscles; it can also mean to involve someone in a difficult situation they did not want to join.

For teachers: to draw something inward by suction or muscle contraction; figuratively, to involve someone in a situation, often against their will or through deception. The literal sense is often reflexive or involves body parts, while the figurative sense is transitive.

## Examples

- You should suck in your stomach for the photo.
- I really didn't want to get involved in their family argument, but I got sucked in anyway.
- The politician attempted to remain neutral, yet he was eventually sucked in by the escalating controversy surrounding the new legislation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was sucked in the argument." but "I was sucked into the argument." — when 'suck in' is used to describe entering a situation, 'into' is required to show movement or transition; 'in' is used for the state or the physical action.

## Usage notes

- when used figuratively to mean 'involve', it is almost always used in the passive voice ('get sucked in').
- Teaching tip: teach the literal physical action first (inhaling/muscular) before moving to the metaphorical 'social vacuum' sense to help students visualize the lack of control.

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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.