chime in
phrasal verb

- to break into a conversation or discussion, especially to express an opinion

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

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ORIGIN

The noun “chime” stems either from the Old English cymbal/cimbal or Latin cymbalum (a musical instrument in the form of a slightly curved thin metal plate that is played by hitting it with a drumstick or with another cymbal that makes a very loud metallic sound). This was apparently misinterpreted as “chyme bellen”, a sense that eventually changed to “chime bells.”

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As a noun, chime can refer to:

- an apparatus for striking a bell to produce a musical sound, such as a door bell

- a set of bells or slabs of metal, stone or wood that produce musical tones when struck

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As a verb, chime means:

- to sound harmoniously, as in a set of bells, in order to produce a musical sound (Did you hear the door bell chime?)

- to harmonize or agree in a figurative sense (Their views chimed with ours)

This latter sense is the origin of today’s OWAD “chime in” and means to join in a conversation to offer one’s opinion.

Although several major English dictionaries suggest that “chime in” refers to an unwelcome interruption to a conversation, it is mostly used neutrally to join a discussion (Excuse me Jim, but may I chime in here?).

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SYNONYMS

add my two cents (US), add my pennyworth (UK), break in, butt in, CHIME IN, chip in, cut in, interject, interrupt, intervene, muscle in, voice an opinion

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Thanks to Martin for today’s word.

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PRACTICE OWAD in a conversation, say something like:

“Feel free to CHIME IN anytime during the presentation.”

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Paul Smith