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punch in
punch in
to record one's arrival at one's workplace at a certain time. What time did you punch in? I punched in at the regular time.
punch someone in something
to strike someone in some body part. Tony punched Nick in the side. Why didn't you punch that mean guy in the nose?
punch something in
to crush or smash something in. Who punched the cereal box in? Who punched in the cereal box?
punch in
to use a special machine to record the time you start working If we punch in at 9 a.m., our actual starting time, the company automatically docks us 15 minutes.
punch in something
also punch something in to enter information on a computer or other device by pressing keys You punch in your code to get cash or your bank balance. Each door has a number pad, and for security you have to punch a number in to open the door.
punch in
1. Also,
punch a or the clock . Check in at a job upon arrival, as in
You have to punch in or you won't get paid, or
In this office no one has to punch a clock. This usage alludes to the use of a time clock, which has a button an employee punches or strikes to record the time of arrival on a card. [1920s] Also see
punch out, def. 1.
2. Keyboard data into a computer, as in He was careful about punching in all the payments. [Mid-1900s]
punch in
v.1. To check in formally at a job upon arrival, especially by stamping the arrival time on a timecard: I punched in ten minutes late this morning and the company fired me.
2. To enter some data on a keypad or similar device: I punched in my access code and I was allowed through the door.