To attract, draw in, or successfully obtain something or someone, often through skill or persistence; to bring under control or influence.
From fishing terminology where 'reeling in' refers to winding the fishing line back onto the reel to bring in a caught fish. The phrase moved into figurative use by the early 1900s, maintaining the sense of gradually drawing something toward oneself.
What makes 'reel in' so vivid is how it captures both the effort and the gradual nature of the process. Unlike 'catch' or 'get,' it implies a sustained action where success requires patience and skill, just like landing a fighting fish.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.