dial in

present singular third person dials in · US participle present dialing in · UK participle present dialling in · US participle past dialed in · US past dialed in · UK participle past dialled in · UK past dialled in

1. To configure or set up (particularly a complex machine with many configuration options [especially knobs and dials).

   Before starting the recording, make sure you've dialled in the right synthesiser settings.

2. To connect (to a system or service) by telephone.

   I tried dialling in to the server, but I couldn't connect.

3. To join or participate in (a conference call).

   Did you dial in to that earnings announcement?

   Synonyms: call in · Antonyms: dial out

4. figurativelyTo apprehend and align oneself (to an idea, circumstance, way of thinking, etc.).

   Nowadays most people are dialled in to the idea that smoking is bad for you.

   2 more examples

   The company quickly dialled in to the fact that customers wanted greater convenience.

   Starting in the ’90s, politicians began treating elections like advertising campaigns and used focus groups to dial in the most effective rhetoric, according to the Stanford economist Matthew Gentzkow, who has analyzed congressional speeches.

   2022 November 12, Matteo Wong, “How Did America End Up With the Z.O.M.B.I.E. Act?”, in The Atlantic

5. figurativelyTo reduce (something) to an appropriate level.

   He was pushy, but he dialed that in until they found him tolerable.

6. cookingTo achieve a perfect result in brewing coffee by manipulating grind size, water amount, etc.