phone sth in

[Maybo]

A: Don't phone it in. I know you can do well in this project.


Can phone sth in be used in a formal setting?

 

[emsr2d2]

A: Don't phone it in. I know you can do well in this project.


Can phone [STRIKE]sth[/STRIKE] something in be used in a formal setting?

1. Please don't use contractions/abbreviations like "sth" here. They're fine in dictionaries, where space is at a premium but you are not subject to such space restrictions here. Please write all words out in full.
2. What's the context for A's line? I have no idea what it means there.
3. What exactly constitutes a "formal" setting, in your opinion?

 

[Maybo]

1. Please don't use contractions/abbreviations like "sth" here. They're fine in dictionaries, where space is at a premium but you are not subject to such space restrictions here. Please write all words out in full.
2. What's the context for A's line? I have no idea what it means there.
3. What exactly constitutes a "formal" setting, in your opinion?

A is asking his colleague to do the project seriously. Don't do it hastily. I think that a formal setting is something like a business meeting.

 

[GoesStation]

What has that got to do with phoning something in?

"Phone it in" means "make the least possible effort".

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

"Phone it in" means "make the least possible effort".

It does?

I've been sheltering in place too long . . . .

 

[Maybo]

The phrase seems uncommon. How about "Don't brush me off"? Maybe I just simply say "Do it seriously".

 

[GoesStation]

The phrase seems uncommon.

"Phone it in" is quite common in casual American English.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Phone it in" is quite common in casual American English.

I think that probably answers the OP's question about whether it's suitable for a formal setting.

 

[Skrej]

"Phone it in" means "make the least possible effort".

I was unaware it meant that. I've only heard it in the sense of 'submit something by phone vs. in person' (such as an order, report, etc.)

 

[GoesStation]

I was unaware it meant that. I've only heard it in the sense of 'submit something by phone vs. in person' (such as an order, report, etc.)

It's often used to describe a lazy bit of acting. "Brando didn't put any effort into the performance. He just phoned it in".