break in
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle in
Meanings
Enter a building illegally by force
Why “in”? You reach a place and become present there. The train gets in, you check in, or the news comes in.
“Thieves broke in overnight.”
“Someone broke in through the window.”
Don't confuse with
Break in means enter a building illegally by force. Break out means start suddenly.
Test yourself
“Thieves broke in overnight.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
break out
A contrast learners often mix up
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
bring in
Same in pattern: arrival
Introduce someone or something into a discussion or organisation; Earn money for a person or business; Introduce a new law, system or rule; Deliver a verdict in a court
burst in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place suddenly and forcefully
call in
Same in pattern: arrival
Visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere; Phone a workplace or radio station; Ask experts or professionals to come and help; Demand the return of money lent
cash in
Same in pattern: arrival
Take advantage of a situation for profit
check in
Same in pattern: arrival
Register at a hotel, airport or event; Hand over luggage to be loaded onto a plane; Briefly contact someone to update them
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