put (one's) oar in(to) (something)

put (one's) oar in(to) (something)

1. To offer or express one's opinion (on some matter), even though it was not asked for or desired. I don't know why you feel you have to put your oar into every dispute Terry and I are having. The members of the board are perfectly capable of arriving at a decision of their own accord, so I'll thank you for not putting your oar in, Tom.2. To involve oneself in an intrusive or nosy manner into something that is not one's business or responsibility. I wish my neighbors would quit putting their oars in and just leave us alone! Liam, don't put your oar into your brother's affairs—he can manage well enough on his own.See also: oar, put

put one's oar in

 and stick one's oar in; put one's two cents(' worth) inFig. to add one's comments or opinion, even if unwanted or unasked for. You don't need to put your oar in. I don't need your advice. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stuck my oar in when you were arguing with your wife. Do you mind if I put in my oar? I have a suggestion. There is no need for you to put in your two cents' worth.See also: oar, put

put one's oar in

Interfere with something or insert one's opinion, as in I'll thank you not to put your oar in when we're discussing a private matter. This term, referring to helping to row a boat, was first recorded in Charles Coffey's 1731 play The Devil to Pay: "I will govern my own house without your putting in an oar." See also: oar, put

put your oar in (something)

or

stick your oar in (something)

mainly BRITISH, INFORMALIf someone puts their oar in or sticks their oar in, they interfere in a situation or an argument. He let them say what they wanted to say without feeling the need to put his oar in; he is obviously a good listener. He should try to sort out his own affairs instead of sticking his oar in other people's business. Note: This comes from an old expression `to have an oar in every man's boat', meaning to interfere in other people's business. See also: oar, put

put/stick your ˈoar in

(British English, informal) interfere in the affairs of other people: This project is nothing to do with Dave. Why does he keep trying to stick his oar in all the time?See also: oar, put, stick