Definition of "phone in" in English

Verb

1. To deliver a message by telephone when etiquette demands the effort and respect conveyed by communication in person.

   • Please give us the courtesy of showing up instead of phoning in.
   • Please give us the courtesy of delivering it in person instead of phoning it in.

2. To make a telephone call to a broadcasting station, especially to participate in a program being aired.

   • We've got Brian phoning in from Phoenix. Brian, you're on the air.

3. To fulfill a responsibility with a minimum effort rather than the appropriate level of effort.

   • phone it in
   • He thought he could phone in the scheduling process, but it takes sharp negotiations around here.
   • He thought he could phone it in. [pronoun antecedent: the scheduling process]
   • We're sick of Alice's attitude. She's been phoning it in ever since Bob left. [pronoun antecedent: notional: either "her job" or undefined]

4. To make an unseemly, timid performance; to be restrained and timid when bold action is called for.