break into
Britishverb
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to enter (a house, etc) illegally, esp by force
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to change abruptly from a slower to a faster speed
the horse broke into a gallop
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to consume (supplies held in reserve)
at the end of the exercise the soldiers had to break into their iron rations
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Make a forcible entry into, as in The alarm went off as soon as they tried to break into the house . [1300s] Also see break in , def. 1.
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Interrupt, as in I couldn't help but break into your conversation . [Mid-1600s]
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Suddenly begin some activity, as in Without warning she broke into tears . Also see under burst into .
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Enter or be admitted to an occupation or profession, as in Without connections it is virtually impossible to break into acting . [Late 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Quick, skilful and always looking to get a shot away, the forward is playing as though he wants to break into the first team immediately.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
Many believe their chances of ever buying a home are slim to none, and it can be tough for recent college graduates to break into today’s job market.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026
Both the US firms had to temporarily withhold the general release of these latest technologies because of fears in Washington that they could help break into crucial infrastructure.
From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026
In recent years, U.S. officials have reported what they called China-linked attempts to break into U.S. broadband networks, access private communications and recruit operatives in the U.S. to act surreptitiously on Beijing’s behalf.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
If I groped about in the dark long enough, I might manage eventually to break into the book keeper's trunk and liberate the script.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
