start in on

present singular third person starts in on · participle present starting in on · participle past started in on · past started in on

1. informalTo make a start on; to begin to tackle.

   I pulled out my calculus book and started in on a basic question about limits.

   2014, Soren Knox, On Causal Shores: Palimpsest Veil and Ananke Protocol, page 12

   1 more example

   She started in on the closet, hoisting boxes from the shelf and placing them on the floor.

   2013, Carol Brisebois, House on Fire, page 180

2. informalTo attack verbally or physically.

   She was always worried about Laura when she was in gymnastics. When her teammate died of complications from anorexia, she really started in on her about her weight.

   2009, George O. Love, On the Scene II: Status Check, page 64

   1 more example

   He started in on Chico and Mexicans in general and then he blasted Santa Anna with his cowboy rhetoric. As Lon talked, his prejudices rose to the surface and his comments became more and more vindictive.

   2010, Tom Davy, The Map on the Chuck Wagon Canvas, page 158