take in
take in {v.}
1. To include.
The country's boundaries were changed to fake in a piece of land beyond the river.
The class of mammals takes in nearly all warm-blooded animals except the birds.
2. To go and see; visit.
The students decided to take in a movie while they were in town.
We planned to take in Niagara Palls and Yellowstone Park on our trip.
3. To make smaller.
This waistband is too big; it must be taken in about an inch.
They had to take in some sail to keep the ship from turning over in the storm.
4. To grasp with the mind; understand.
He didn't take in what he read because his mind was on something else.
He took in the situation at a glance.
5a. To deceive; cheat; fool.
The teacher was taken in by the boy's innocent manner.
5b. To accept without question; believe.
The magician did many tricks, and the children took it all in.
6a. To receive; get.
The senior class held a dance to make money and took in over a hundred dollars.
6b. Let come in; admit.
The farmer took in the lost travelers for the night.
When her husband died, Mrs. Smith took in boarders.
7. To see or hear with interest; pay close attention to,
When Bill told about his adventures, the other boys took it all in.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
