book in: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘book in’ mean?

The idiom "book in" means to reserve or secure a place or spot in advance, typically for an event or activity.

Idiom Explorer

Hidden Portal

The idiom "turn up for the book" is related to the idiom "book in" in that it refers to the act of showing up or arriving at a scheduled event or appointment that has been previously reserved or booked. It conveys the idea that the individual has honored their commitment and has made themselves present as planned.

When someone "beds in," it means that they have settled comfortably into a new environment or routine. In the context of "book in," this phrase could be used to describe the process of familiarizing oneself with the accommodations or services that have been reserved or booked in advance.

The etymology of idioms reveals their fascinating origins.

"clock in" is another idiom related to "book in." It refers to the act of officially recording one's arrival time at a place of work or a scheduled shift. This expression reflects the concept of being punctual and accountable, similar to the idea of making a reservation or booking in advance.

The phrase "brick in" is less common but can be used in relation to "book in" to express the idea of securely confirming or solidifying a reservation or booking. It suggests a sense of permanence and reliability, as though the individual's spot or arrangement is firmly established.

"double booked" is a phrase that can be connected to "book in" when someone has made overlapping or conflicting reservations or appointments. It signifies the act of unintentionally reserving or scheduling two or more events or services simultaneously, resulting in a scheduling conflict. This situation highlights the importance of carefully managing and coordinating bookings to avoid such conflicts.

The idiom "book in" is a versatile and widely used expression that conveys the act of making a reservation or securing a spot in advance. Its origins can be traced back to the literal act of recording names and details in a physical book. The related idioms "turn up for the book," "bed in," "clock in," "brick in," and "double booked" further highlight various aspects of the reservation or booking process. These idioms exemplify the dynamic nature of language and how phrases adapt and evolve over time to reflect societal changes and linguistic nuances.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom book in can be used in a sentence:

  1. He booked in for a hotel room while on his business trip.
  2. She booked in her flight to London well in advance.
  3. They have already booked in their seats for the concert next week.

The idiom book in is commonly used to refer to making a reservation or registering for a particular service or event. It can be used when reserving a hotel room, booking a flight, or securing seats for a concert or other performance. The phrase emphasizes the act of confirming and securing a spot or position for a specific purpose.

More "verb" idioms