Phrase guide

reel in

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To bring (a fish etc.) out of the water by winding the line on which it is caught onto a reel (e.g. of a fishing rod).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: fishing, hobbies, lifestyle

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To bring in (e.g. by attractive offers or persuasion); to lure.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: ramener — (fishing) bring out of the water
  • French: tirer hors de l'eau — (fishing) bring out of the water
  • Spanish: traer bobinando — (fishing) bring out of the water
  • French: attirer — bring in
  • French: attirer l'attention — bring in
  • French: capter — bring in
  • French: capter l'attention — bring in
  • French: ferrer — bring in