Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[maako]

Hi,teacher!

the other day,I asked the question about the meaning of "phone it in".
You told me it means" don't make any efforts" .
Now I know the meaning, thanks!

But, I'm still at a loss...
What does this "it" suggest?
And why does the word "phone" have something to do with "making effort"?
and ...what is this "in" for?

please help me!

Thanks always
_________________
maako

[bud]

What does this "it" suggest? - "It" is the effort for whatever needed to be accomplished.

And why does the word "phone" have something to do with "making effort"? - I don't know how the expression came about, but I think of it this way: If I have to get something done at the office, it's wise to go in and get it done. Or, I could do it by phone and then go golfing. The second way is not making much of an effort, and will often produce bad results.

and ...what is this "in" for? - Good question! I'd say that "phone in" has a sense of work/employee to it:

Ex.:
Joe phoned in sick. (Although usually "called in" would be used.)
Decades ago, newspaper reporters phoned in their stories.