The phrase "fall in with" means to agree to something or to join a group. Its spelling conforms to standard English pronunciation rules, with "fall" pronounced as /fɔːl/ (with the "a" pronounced like in "law") and "in" as /ɪn/ (short "i" sound like in "pin"). The word "with" is pronounced as /wɪð/ (the "th" sound like in "the" and the "i" sound like in "pin"). Together, the correct IPA spelling of "fall in with" is /fɔːl ɪn wɪð/.
The phrasal verb "fall in with" has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
Let's explore some of its most common definitions:
1. To agree or comply with someone's plans, ideas, or requests. For example, "She fell in with his proposal to host the charity event at her house."
2. To join or become part of a group or association. This could imply both literal or figurative incorporation. For instance, "After moving to the new city, he quickly fell in with a group of artists." or "He fell in with a bad crowd and started engaging in criminal activities."
3. To match or align with something or someone. This definition is often used in terms of appearance, style, or behavior. As an example, "The new curtains perfectly fall in with the color scheme of the living room."
4. To encounter or meet unexpectedly. For instance, "While walking in the park, she fell in with an old classmate she hadn't seen in years."
Overall, "fall in with" implies a sense of adapting, conforming, or encountering. It often describes a situation where an individual aligns themselves with something or someone, whether it be an idea, a group, an appearance, or an unexpected meeting.