break in
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle in
Meanings
Enter a building illegally by force
Why “in”? A person, vehicle, message, or result reaches a place or becomes present there.
“Thieves broke in overnight.”
“Someone broke in through the window.”
Interrupt a conversation and begin speaking
Why “in”? A person, idea, effort, or item becomes part of a group, activity, or plan.
“She broke in before I could finish.”
“Ben broke in with a question.”
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; Escape from a locked or guarded place
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
blend in
Same in pattern: inclusion
Look or behave like the people around you
bring in
Same in pattern: inclusion
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
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