{"id":348,"date":"2021-12-28T17:14:03","date_gmt":"2021-12-28T17:14:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=348"},"modified":"2021-12-28T17:14:03","modified_gmt":"2021-12-28T17:14:03","slug":"chime-in-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/chime-in-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Chime In - Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you listening to some friends or work colleagues talking about a topic where you have information that could benefit the conversation? If that\u2019s the case, you could ask the other parties if they mind if you \u201cchime in<\/em>\u201d on the subject.<\/p>\n

This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this idiom, along with its use in conversation.<\/p>\n

Chime In Meaning<\/h2>\n

A chime is a set of long cylindrical and hollow tubes, typically made from steel or wooden materials. Many people keep wind chimes on their porch for a comforting sound when the wind blows through the air. The chimes clash against each other in the wind, producing a light, melodic sound that\u2019s appealing.<\/p>\n

So, when you ask someone if you can \u201cchime in<\/em>\u201d on their conversation, you\u2019re making a polite interruption into their conversation because you think you can add value to the subject matter. Typically, the phrase is suitable for lighthearted and serious discussion, and it\u2019s a great way to interject yourself into a conversation without upsetting other people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When using the phrase, you\u2019ll wait for a break in the conversation and then interject utilizing the term. However, if the conversation moves past what you were going to add, it\u2019s probably better to stay quiet than drag the conversation back to a previous topic.<\/p>\n

The phrase does well in agreeable conversation, and if you were trying to step into a heated argument, it would be better to use \u201clet me cut in here<\/em>\u201d rather than \u201cchime in<\/em>\u201d on the other parties. The idiom has plenty of use in everyday conversation, and you probably hear it all the time.<\/p>\n

Chime In Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cLet me chime in<\/em> on this conversation; I think you guys will find this interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think you can just chime in<\/em> on our conversation whenever you want without asking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKim decided to chime in<\/em> with some relevant thoughts to the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe comes, Mike; he\u2019s probably going to chime in<\/em> with his thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChiming in<\/em> on our conversation is fine; just make sure you have something important to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chime In Origin<\/h2>\n

To \u201cchime in<\/em>\u201d on a conversation first appeared towards the end of the 1600s. The phrase gained traction with the English-speaking population, and it started to reach everyday use in the 1700s.<\/p>\n

The word chime comes from the Greek \u201ckiamo<\/em>s.\u201d Chimes were popular in the 1600s, and many people would talk in rooms or on porches where wind chimes would sound in the wind during conversations. People would pause to remark on the sound of the chimes, which led to the formation of the expression.<\/p>\n

The phrase is still common in the English language today, and you probably hear it yourself from time to time.<\/p>\n