English Phrase of the Day

Definitions

English > English
break in		©
1. v. (intransitive) To enter a place by force or illicit means.
Someone broke in and stole his radio.
2. v. (transitive, idiomatic) To cause (something, or someone, new) to function more naturally through use or wear
These shoes will be more comfortable after I have broken them in.
3. v. (transitive, of a horse) To tame; make obedient; to train to follow orders of the owner.
4. v. (intransitive) To interrupt one's conversation; speak before another person has finished speaking.
Analysis
break		©
1. v. (transitive, intransitive) To separate into two or more pieces, to fracture or crack, by a process that cannot easily be reversed for reassembly.
If the vase falls to the floor, it might break.
In order to tend to the accident victim, he will break the window of the car.
2. v.          (transitive, intransitive) To crack or fracture (bone) under a physical strain.
His ribs broke under the weight of the rocks piled on his chest.
in		©
1. prep. Used to indicate location, inclusion, or position within spatial, temporal or other limits.
2. prep.          Contained by.
The dog is in the kennel.
3. prep.          Within.
4. prep.          Surrounded by.

Example Sentences

Lots of girls come in here asking to do things for him because they want a break in modelling, or films, or something.  I'll keep more of the clean pressings around my office, so if they break in and steal them, what they get will confirm their tape.

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