The phrasal verb 'walk in on' is predominantly used in informal contexts, commonly appearing in spoken English and casual conversations. It typically refers to the act of entering a room or space unexpectedly and finding someone involved in a private or delicate situation. This usage implies an element of surprise or intrusion, often leading to embarrassment or awkwardness. The subject of the phrasal verb is usually a person unexpectedly entering, while the object is the person or situation encountered. While 'walk in on' rarely appears in formal writing or professional contexts, it can occasionally be used in creative writing to set a scene or in reported speech to convey a character's experience. The term emphasizes the accidental and sometimes unfortunate timing of the entrance, capturing the dynamics of social interactions in everyday life.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To enter a room unexpectedly and catch someone doing something.
I didn't mean to walk in on you while you were getting changed.
She walked in on her parents having a serious conversation.
He walked in on his colleagues while they were discussing the new project.
I accidentally walked in on my roommate's Zoom meeting yesterday.