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

The court hearing provided an unusual peek into hidden state bar proceedings, which are highly confidential and typically only burst into public view if an attorney is disciplined.

From Los Angeles Times

Amy Post responded to Maggie and Leah’s embarrassed cries, and burst into the room to halt the examination.

From Literature

Maggie was giving a follow-up interview to the New York Herald when Kate, just in from London, burst into the room.

From Literature

Then she burst into more laughter.

From Literature

His mother, Kimberly Julio, said she burst into tears: “I was like, ‘Why are you more mature than I am?’”

From The Wall Street Journal