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walk into

A2 neutral inseparable transitive

To enter a place, encounter a situation (often by accident), or collide with something while walking.

In plain English

Go inside somewhere, or accidentally hit something or get into trouble.

What does "walk into" mean?

4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To enter a room, building, or place by walking.

"She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water."

I walked into a room and there was this guy with a knife.

inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To become accidentally involved in a dangerous or difficult situation.

"He had no idea he was walking into a trap when he clicked that link."

We walked into an ambush.

inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To collide with an object while walking, usually by not paying attention.

"He was looking at his phone and walked straight into a lamppost."

inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To obtain a job, role, or position very easily, without much effort.

"With her qualifications, she could walk into any position at that firm."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To move on foot and go into something.

Actually means

Go inside somewhere, or accidentally hit something or get into trouble.

Usage tip

Used literally (enter a room) and figuratively (walk into a trap / walk into a job). The figurative sense of 'easily obtaining something' (walk into a job) is common in British English.

Words that pair with "walk into"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

room trap ambush job wall door

How to conjugate "walk into"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
walk into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
walks into
he/she/it
Past simple
walked into
yesterday
Past participle
walked into
have + pp
-ing form
walking into
continuous

Hear "walk into" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "walk into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "walk into"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

Keep exploring

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