get the washing in

[user_gary]

I must just get the washing in.

I could not understand the meaning of "get the washing in" in this context.

Could you explain it to me?

[mykwyner]

The washing is a common idiomatic expression that means the laundry, which is clothes that are in the process of being washed. In your example, the washing (the laundry) has been washed and is hanging on a clothesline to dry. If the laundry ( the washing) is dry, or if it is going ro rain, it is time to "get the washing in."

[BobK]

The washing is a common idiomatic expression that means the laundry, which is clothes that are in the process of being washed. In your example, the washing (the laundry) has been washed and is hanging on a clothesline to dry. If the laundry ( the washing) is dry, or if it is going ro rain, it is time to "get the washing in."

This is by far the most likely meaning. The context (which we don't know) might also allow the meaning 'fit the washing in': 'I get home at 5.30. It'll take half an hour to shower and dress for the show. The bus is at 6.00. The dirty clothes basket is overflowing, but I don't know how I'll get the washing in.'

Mykwyner's supposition is almost certainly right, but be aware of the context.

b

[user_gary]

This is by far the most likely meaning. The context (which we don't know) might also allow the meaning 'fit the washing in': 'I get home at 5.30. It'll take half an hour to shower and dress for the show. The bus is at 6.00. The dirty clothes basket is overflowing, but I don't know how I'll get the washing in.'
b

In this context, the phrase "get the washing in" is likely to have another meaning than mykwyner explained. But I can't quite guess what it means. Could you explain it?

[Anglika]

In this context = "I cannot see how I am going to find the time to wash the clothes that are in the dirty clothes basket before I have to leave at 6.00 o'clock".

[mykwyner]

There are a finite number of possible meanings here. If we all agree that "the washing" means "laundry," then "getting the washing in," can only mean getting it into the house, getting it into the washing machine, or getting it into your schedule. Where else can the washing go?

Again, what is the context? I don't like playing guessing games with my students unless they are the ones doing the guessing.

[user_gary]

Thank you friends.
Here is the context :

3. to go somewhere and bring back someone or something:
e.g. I must just get the washing in.
Can I get you a drink? [+ two objects]


[source : Cambridge Dictionaries Online - Cambridge University Press ]

[BobK]

Thank you friends.
Here is the context :

3. to go somewhere and bring back someone or something:
e.g. I must just get the washing in.
Can I get you a drink? [+ two objects]


[source : Cambridge Dictionaries Online - Cambridge University Press ]

to go somewhere [out into the back garden/yard, where the washing line is] and bring back someone or something [the dry washing, or - more likely this summer - the damp washing that's about to be rained on again ]

The mention of 'drink' in the other example, calls to mind another use of 'get in', but it's colloquial.

b