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break in

B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words

to get in by force, cut in while someone is talking, or make something new easier to use

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

to enter a building illegally by force

"Someone broke in through the kitchen window last night."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

to interrupt someone who is speaking or doing something

"I tried to explain, but he kept breaking in."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

to wear or use something new until it becomes comfortable or works properly

"These boots need a few days to break in."

Grammar: mixed
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

to train a person, animal, or machine for a new role or proper use

"The stable owner is breaking in two young horses this spring."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common. Meaning depends strongly on context. For illegal entry, 'break in' is often intransitive; 'break into' is used with the place entered.

Commonly used with

house conversation shoes horse new staff engine

Forms

Base
break in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks in
he/she/it
Past simple
broke in
yesterday
Past participle
broken in
have + pp
-ing form
breaking in
continuous

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Synonyms

force entry interrupt wear in train accustom

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