break in

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The phrase "break in" can have several meanings in English, and it is used in different contexts. Here’s a simple explanation for each meaning, along with usage instructions and examples.

Meanings and Usage

1. To make submissive or obedient (often used with animals):

   • Meaning: This refers to training an animal, especially a horse, to accept a rider and obey commands.
   • Example: "The horse was tough to break in, but after several weeks of training, it became much more manageable."

2. To intrude on someone or something:

   • Meaning: This means to enter without invitation, often in a way that is unwelcome.
   • Example: "The nosy couple broke in on our conversation and asked us personal questions."

3. To start in a new role or activity:

   • Meaning: This refers to beginning a new job, task, or activity.
   • Example: "I was nervous about breaking in the new intern, but she quickly learned the tasks."

4. To enter someone’s property illegally:

   • Meaning: This means to enter a place without permission, usually to steal or do harm.
   • Example: "Someone broke in while I was on vacation and stole my television."

5. To interrupt a conversation:

   • Meaning: This refers to joining or cutting into a discussion that you were not part of.
   • Example: "He always breaks in during meetings, even when he is not involved in the topic."

Advanced Usage

• Phrasal Verb: "Break into" can also be used to describe entering into a new field or market, such as "The company plans to break into the Asian market next year."

Word Variants

• Break-in (noun): This refers to an act of entering a property illegally.
  • Example: "The police reported a break-in at the jewelry store last night."

Synonyms

• For intrude: intrude, interrupt, butt in
• For enter illegally: trespass, infiltrate, invade
• For train: tame, train, discipline

Idioms

• "Break the ice": To initiate conversation in a social setting, especially between strangers.
  • Example: "To break the ice, he told a funny story at the beginning of the meeting."

Summary

The phrase "break in" can mean to train an animal, intrude on a conversation, start a new role, or illegally enter a property. Be aware of the context to understand its meaning.

Academic

Verb

1. make submissive, obedient, or useful
   • The horse was tough to break
   • I broke in the new intern
2. break so as to fall inward
   • He broke in the door
3. intrude on uninvited
   • The nosy couple broke in on our conversation
4. start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
5. break into a conversation
   • her husband always chimes in, even when he is not involved in the conversation
6. enter someone's (virtual or real) property in an unauthorized manner, usually with the intent to steal or commit a violent act
   • Someone broke in while I was on vacation
   • They broke into my car and stole my radio!
   • who broke into my account last night?

Synonyms

• break
• chime in
• cut in
• put in
• butt in
• chisel in
• barge in