Origin of the phrase "stuck in"

[pasoccerfan]

Just curious--does anyone know the origin of the phrase "stuck in?"

Thanks

[Dr. Wankler]

Not wanting to sound like a National Spelling Bee contestant, but...

could you use it in a sentence, please?

[pasoccerfan]

It's an English expression, I believe. You'll hear it from a coach or player--"the lads really got stuck in and worked hard today."

It alludes to tough, gritty play. I was just curious as to where it might have started. My guess was a player's boots getting stuck into an opponent, or somehow having to do with England's occasional muddy conditions, etc.

Thanks again.

[usscouse]

Originally posted by pasoccerfan
Just curious--does anyone know the origin of the phrase "stuck in?"

Thanks
Getting "Stuck in" just didn't apply to football in England it was a favourite with boxing fans and just about any contact sport. Including after pub activities in the alley...;)

[BrianCappellieri]

Originally posted by usscouse
Including after pub activities in the alley...;)

This can go a few ways... ;)

[usscouse]

Originally posted by BrianCappellieri


This can go a few ways... ;)
I thought of that as I posted....trust you to bring it up Cappellieri...:)

[Boro_lad]

get stuck in can be used in many situations. Football: to tackle someone hard and put in that extra bit of effort.

out on the pi$$:While scraping, or if u pull a bird....

havent a clue where is started and no will ever know no doubt...somewhere in england...but where..nobody knows...

[pasoccerfan]

Thanks for the replies--I just always wondered...

[thepremierleague]

It's origins are easy.


It means what it says, to stick your foot or body into challenges, stick your knife and fork into food, stick your face into a pie etc. You are getting 'stuck in' like glue, deeply involved.

It's a bit like 'tucking in'.

[Lufbra]

I believe it comes from the other form of football; namely Rugby Union. It applies when there is a ruck going on and a player from the opposing team gets 'stuck in' by trying to retrieve the ball -legally of course - by grabbing it off the ground in blatant disrgard for his health and well being. If you watch Rugby often you'll also notice that when the players are on the ground fighting for the ball another player will jump on top of the mound and start kicking away at the pile - putting the boot in or getting stuck in - ostensibly trying to get the ball using his foot but in reality he's probably trying to maim an opponent. This would also explain why the term is known in Australia and South Africa were Rugby is one of the top sports. I have often heard it used by their commentators during the games.

[thepremierleague]

We use 'get stuck in' for loads of things though, and it has the same meaning.

Get stuck in to your dinner, get stuck into your work.

Get stuck in in football just means exactly the same, to get deeply involved.