fill in

To write the requested information in the empty spaces of a form or document.

• Please fill in your name.
• He filled in the application yesterday.
• Have you filled it in yet?

How to use it: fill something in (Please fill this form in before your appointment.)

Similar words: complete, fill out

Common phrases: fill in a form, fill in your details

To tell someone the information they need or have missed.

• Can you fill me in?
• She filled us in on the latest news.
• I will fill you in when you arrive.

How to use it: fill someone in on something (Can you fill me in on the meeting?)

Similar words: inform, update, brief

Common phrases: fill in someone, fill in a colleague

To do another person’s job for a short time while they are away.

• Can you fill in tomorrow?
• I filled in for Sam while he was ill.
• She is filling in as manager this week.

How to use it: fill in for someone (Nina is filling in for the receptionist.); fill in as something (He filled in as goalkeeper.)

Similar words: stand in, substitute, cover

Common phrases: fill in for someone, fill in today

To put material into a hole or empty area until it is closed or covered.

• Please fill in the hole.
• Workers filled in the trench after repairing the pipe.
• They are filling it in with sand.

How to use it: fill something in with something (They filled the hole in with soil.)

Similar words: fill, plug

Opposites: dig out

Common phrases: fill in something, fill in a hole

To hit someone several times and hurt them.

• They threatened to fill him in.
• He got filled in outside the pub.
• The bullies filled the boy in after school.

How to use it: fill someone in (The gang threatened to fill him in.)

Similar words: beat up, assault

Common phrases: fill in someone, fill in that bloke