burst into

Idioms  

1. Also, . Break out into sudden activity. For example, burst into flames means “break out in a fire,” as in This dry woodpile may well burst into flames . A version of this term, which dates from the 16th century, was used figuratively by John Milton: “Fame is the spur ... But the fair guerdon [reward] when we hope to find, and think to burst out into sudden blaze” ( Lycidas , 1637).

2. Also, burst out . Give sudden utterance to. For example, , etc. mean “begin suddenly to weep, laugh, sing,” and so on, as in When she saw him, she burst into tears , or I burst out laughing when I saw their outfits , or When they brought in the cake, we all burst into song . These terms have been so used since the late 1300s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

burst into

According to him, America would have burst into flames and melted into the bedrock mantle if he hadn’t come to town.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

The current probe burst into public view after June filings by Delaware Life and Clear Spring revealed the companies had been subpoenaed by federal authorities.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

The crowd burst into applause and a rendition of "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" broke out as it made its way through the coastal village on Swansea's southwestern edge.

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

The boys' father said: "We were in the hotel room when the eldest burst into the room. He was limping and there was blood everywhere after he cut all his feet leaving the spa."

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Most men, if their grandson burst into a room dripping water and clutching a mythical creature to their chest, would begin by asking questions.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell