1
general::
Phrase(s): listen in (on someone or something)
1. to join someone or a group as a listener. • The band is rehearsing. Let’s go listen in on them. • It won’t hurt to listen in, will it? 2. to eavesdrop on someone. • Please don’t try to listen in on us. This is a private conversation. • I am not listening in. I was here first. You are talking too loud.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Hear or overhear the conversation of others; eavesdrop. It is Also put as listen in on, as in She listened in on her parents and learned they were planning a surprise party. [Early 1900s] 2. Tune in and listen to a broadcast, as in Were you listening in the other night when they played Beethoven's Fifth? [1920s]
American Heritage Idioms