1 B2 informal
To gain entry to a place or object by using force to break in.
"Thieves busted into the jewellery store overnight and cleared out the display cases."
inseparable
bust into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To enter a place forcefully and suddenly by breaking something; also to gain access to something protected.
In plain English
To break your way into a place or thing, like breaking open a safe.
What does "bust into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(Informal) To enter a new market, industry, or field, often aggressively.
"The tech startup busted into the streaming market with a surprisingly bold pricing strategy."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bust (break) into something.
Actually means
To break your way into a place or thing, like breaking open a safe.
Usage tip
Primarily American informal English. Used for physical forced entry into buildings, vehicles, or safes. Occasionally used figuratively for gaining access to a market or industry.
Words that pair with "bust into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
safe vault building car market account
How to conjugate "bust into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bust into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
busts into
he/she/it
Past simple
busted into
yesterday
Past participle
busted into
have + pp
-ing form
busting into
continuous
Hear "bust into" in the wild
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