Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“The best gift I ever got was a toy plane when I was 8. My mother and sister pitched in and got it for me even though it was expensive.”
- John Travolta on his favorite Christmas present. (Good Housekeeping)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
do something or give something (such as money) to help a person, group, or cause
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
In this year’s Christmas catalog from the luxury department store Neiman Marcus, you can purchase an airplane for $250,000. Can you imagine how many people would have to contribute, or pitch in, in order to afford a gift like that? Plus, how would you fit it under the Christmas tree?
John Travolta has been obsessed with planes and flying since he was a little boy. When he was eight years old, his mother and sister pitched in to get him a fancy toy plane for Christmas. It meant so much to him that he remembers that toy as the best Christmas gift he’s ever gotten, even though he now owns and flies real planes.
Contributing money in order to buy something isn’t the only way to pitch in. You can also pitch in and help somebody get something done. You’ve probably pitched in by helping a friend move, or by helping your roommate clean up. At Christmastime, some people get in the holiday spirit by pitching in at a homeless shelter, serving a warm meal to those in need.
Have you ever pitched in on a gift for someone? What is the best holiday gift you’ve gotten?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“I really need some help this weekend. Do you think you could pitch in a little?”
“Let’s all pitch in and get Mom something really nice for Christmas.”
“Jake pitched in and helped take care of his little sister when his mother was sick.”
“If we all pitch in, we’ll get the cleaning done faster.”