roll in late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roll in late" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone arriving after the expected or scheduled time, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I always seem to roll in late to meetings, no matter how hard I try to be on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our mutual willingness to blow off work, however (or at least roll in late because we were lingering over breakfast), did make me feel certain that Seung would soon become my boyfriend.

The New York Times

Also, gosh, it was really lovely of them to put me on the guest list for that show last night!" Because 80% (if not wayyyyyy more) that get national exposure have someone like me making sure the artist makes their interview, the writer has the record in plenty of time to review, that the guest list is figured out in advance so that they can roll in late to the sold out show..

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A forecaster said it is more likely that the cloud expected to roll in tomorrow morning will obscure people's chances of seeing the eclipse instead.

Independent

Before Washington State's votes rolled in late Tuesday, aides to Senator John McCain tried to minimize Gov. George W. Bush's victory in Virginia, which had reported earlier.

The New York Times

The first one rolled in in 1983, when Bibby was an assistant coach at Arizona State.

The New York Times - Sports

Cui Jian, now 51, said he heard his first rock 'n' roll in 1985.

The New York Times

The Solar label ( Sound of Los Angeles Records) was on a roll in 1981.

The Guardian - Music

And Mr. Cannon concedes that he wishes the money had started to roll in three months ago.

The New York Times - Food

My own sporting accolades never went much beyond a near-perfect forward roll in 1984.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dozens gathered in the rain at Matali to watch the first huge drilling machine roll in this month.

The Guardian

European expressions of support for the military campaign begun by the United States and Britain in Afghanistan continued to roll in today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roll in late" to describe an informal situation or casual tardiness. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where more direct language is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "roll in late" in professional documents or presentations. Instead, opt for phrases like "arrive late" or "was delayed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roll in late" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of arriving after the scheduled time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct. Examples show its usage in describing casual lateness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roll in late" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a delayed arrival, often in a casual context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While primarily found in news and media, its informal tone makes it less suitable for professional or scientific writing. When needing to express similar meaning in formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "arrive late" or "be delayed". Although the phrase is correct, it's relatively rare, so choosing more common alternatives might improve clarity for a broader audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrive late

Direct synonym, focusing on the action of arriving after the scheduled time.

show up late

Similar to 'arrive late', but often implies a more casual or informal context.

come in late

Very close in meaning, but could also refer to joining something after it has started.

clock in late

Specifically refers to being late for work and recording the late arrival.

be tardy

A more formal or old-fashioned way of saying someone is late.

drift in late

Suggests a lack of urgency and a relaxed approach to punctuality.

straggle in

Implies a slow and unorganized arrival, often one by one.

saunter in late

Implies a casual and unhurried arrival, often with a sense of nonchalance.

make a late entrance

Focuses on the act of entering a place or event after it has begun.

be behind schedule

Refers to not being on time, but more generally about being delayed in a plan or process.

FAQs

What does it mean to "roll in late"?

To "roll in late" means to arrive after the expected or scheduled time, often implying a casual or relaxed attitude toward punctuality.

What can I say instead of "roll in late"?

You can use alternatives like "arrive late", "show up late", or "be tardy" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "roll in late" in a professional setting?

While grammatically correct, "roll in late" is generally considered informal. In professional contexts, it's better to use more formal phrases like "arrive late" or "be delayed".

How do I use "roll in late" in a sentence?

You can use "roll in late" in sentences like, "He tends to roll in late to meetings after lingering over breakfast."