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to break in
[phrase form: break]
01
to enter someone's property by force and without their consent, particularly to steal something
Intransitive
Examples
The alarm system alerted the police when someone tried to break in.
The homeowners worried about someone trying to break in while they were away.
02
to start to speak in the middle of a conversation
Intransitive
Examples
A shout from the street broke in on their discussion.
He broke in with a comment as soon as they paused.
03
to start something entirely new or take it to a higher level
Transitive: to break in sth
Examples
The company plans to break the product launch in with a grand event.
The school is excited to break in a digital learning platform.
04
to make a horse obedient, typically a young one
Transitive: to break in a horse
Examples
The cowboy spent weeks breaking in the new ranch horses.
The trainer emphasized the importance of trust when breaking horses in.
05
to break in a way that causes the broken parts to fall inward
Intransitive
Examples
The roof of the old barn finally started to break in after years of neglect.
The weakened dam is at risk of breaking in after days of heavy rain.
06
to make something work better by using it regularly
Transitive: to break in sth
Examples
It's important to break the leather gloves in before playing baseball.
Regular exercise will break in the new sneakers.
07
to assist someone in getting used to a specific way of behaving or working
Transitive: to break in sb
Examples
The team leader aimed to break the new member in gently to the project.
The mentor's role is to break the mentee in by offering valuable insights.
