1
general::
Phrase(s): punch in
to record one’s arrival at one’s workplace at a certain time. • What time did you punch in? • I punched in at the regular time., Phrase(s): punch someone in something
to strike someone in some body part. • Tony punched Nick in the side. • Why didn’t you punch that mean guy in the nose?, Phrase(s): punch something in
to crush or smash something in. • Who punched the cereal box in? • Who punched in the cereal box?
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Also, punch a or the clock. Check in at a job upon arrival, as in You have to punch in or you won't get paid, or In this office no one has to punch a clock. This usage alludes to the use of a time clock, which has a button an employee punches or strikes to record the time of arrival on a card. [1920s] Also see PUNCH OUT, def. 1. 2. Keyboard data into a computer, as in He was careful about punching in all the payments. [Mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms