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.
I feel like “How to Break into the Business” books in the past have tended to focus on positive outcomes rather than the struggle.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025
Break into pieces when ready to serve or store.
From Salon • Dec. 10, 2022
Break into the nearby phyllo-wrapped pie, sprinkled with carrot top powder, stuffed with black forbidden rice and shredded duck confit, and marvel at the way Ong, its creator, combines cultures and cuisines.
From Washington Post • Nov. 11, 2022
"I don't know what one can say. Break into dance and sing 'Chim-Chim-Cheree' I suppose."
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2014
Break into small pieces and put into a salad bowl, pour over the dressing.
From The Art of Living in Australia ; together with three hundred Australian cookery recipes and accessory kitchen information by Mrs. H. Wicken by Muskett, Philip E.
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.
