buy in

To agree with an idea and become willing to support it.

• We need the whole team to buy in.
• She bought in once we explained the benefits.
• Will parents buy in to this plan?

How to use it: buy in to something (The staff bought in to the new approach.)

Similar words: agree, get on board

Opposites: reject

Common phrases: buy in fully, buy in early

To get goods or supplies from another business rather than produce them yourself.

• We buy in all our cakes.
• The shop bought in extra stock for the holiday.
• Do you make the sauce or buy it in?

How to use it: buy in something from someone (We buy in fresh bread from a local bakery.)

Similar words: purchase, source

Common phrases: buy in supplies, buy in stock

To put money into an investment together with other people.

• Three friends agreed to buy in together.
• She bought in for a small share of the business.
• Can new investors buy in later?

How to use it: buy in for an amount (Each partner bought in for five thousand dollars.)

Similar words: invest, take a stake

Common phrases: buy in together, buy in early

To buy an item at auction for its existing owner so that the owner keeps it.

• The owner asked us to buy in the painting.
• Her agent bought the vase in at auction.
• They bought in the lot to keep it in the family.

How to use it: buy something in (The agent bought the painting in for its owner.)

Similar words: buy back

Common phrases: buy in something, buy in artwork

To buy investments elsewhere when a seller fails to deliver, charging that seller any extra cost.

• The broker had to buy in the shares.
• They bought in securities that the seller had failed to deliver.
• We will buy the shares in and recover the extra cost.

How to use it: buy something in (The broker bought the missing shares in and charged the seller the difference.)

Common phrases: buy in securities, buy in shares