Involvement: English Vocabulary List

to involuntarily become deeply involved or invested in something

"Caught up in the moment."

"The young man got caught up in the excitement of the protest and was arrested along with the other demonstrators."

used to say that someone has been involved in something from its early stages

"In on the ground floor."

"He invested in the startup when it was just an idea so he got in on the ground floor and became very wealthy."

to unintentionally become a part of an argument other people are having

"Caught in the crossfire."

"The innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire during the battle, suffering the most despite having no involvement in the conflict."

being involved with other people, groups, organizations, etc.

"In bed with rivals."

"The politician was accused of being in bed with the construction companies that had donated money to his election campaign."

to be involved with something that is too challenging or demanding for one to handle

"I am up to my ears in work."

"After the unexpected surge in orders, the small business owner found himself up to his neck in administrative tasks."

tendency to take part in an activity started by someone else to receive a share of its profits

"A piece of action."

"The young lawyer wanted a piece of the action so she joined the prestigious firm that was handling the high profile case."

to be in risk of receiving punishment or getting into trouble

"You are in for trouble."

"If the teacher finds out you cheated on the exam, you are in for a very serious punishment."

to offer one's unwanted opinion or advice

"Sticks his oar in."

"I was trying to resolve the issue with my colleague, but my manager put her oar in and made everything more complicated."

to become involved in a situation that in no way concerns one

"He always pokes his nose into my business."

"My nosy neighbour always sticks her nose into my business and asks too many personal questions."

used to tell someone that it depends on them to make a certain decision or to take a specified action

"I made my offer — the ball is in your court now."

"The company has submitted its revised proposal and the ball is now firmly in the client's court."

to be involved or have influence in a particular matter or situation

"Finger in the pie."

"The local politician has a finger in every pie and is involved in almost every business decision made in the town."

to have a tendency to share or become involved in everything

"She has a finger in every pie."

"Our manager seems to have a finger in every pie, from marketing campaigns to product development and even office renovations."

to engage in manual work, particularly one that is exhausting or of high difficulty

"The CEO is not afraid to get his hands dirty."

"The CEO is not afraid to get his hands dirty and often works alongside the factory workers on the production line."

someone who is caught between two individuals or groups who are having a fight or argument

"Meat in the sandwich."

"The junior manager felt like the meat in the sandwich between the demanding boss and the unhappy employees."

to be in the company of two people who prefer to be alone, particularly a romantic couple

"Play gooseberry always."

"She felt awkward playing gooseberry while her two friends were being romantic with their partners at the dinner table."

used when a specific task or a particular situation is being dealt with

"I am on the case."

"Don't worry about the missing documents; the detective assured us he was on the case and would find them quickly."

to be prepared or anticipating a specific event, situation, or consequence, whether positive or negative.

"We are in for trouble."

"Given the current economic downturn and rising inflation, the company is clearly in for a challenging quarter."

used to say that something must be addressed and handled

"This is on hand."

"The urgent matter of climate change requires immediate attention; it is a problem that is very much on hand."

to become involved in an activity or event that is unpleasant or morally questionable, often requiring one to engage in dishonest or unethical behavior

"You must get hands dirty."

"To truly understand the complexities of the situation, one must be willing to get their hands dirty with the practical, unglamorous work."