breaks in

Forces unlawful entry

Breaks in describes the process of making something new functional through use, or accustoming someone to a new situation.

You break in new shoes by wearing them until they're comfortable, or break in a new employee by training them on the job.

The phrase also means to enter forcibly or illegally: Someone broke in while we were on vacation.

To break in on a conversation is to interrupt it.

Related

butt in · lock · pick the lock · crowbar · chime in · cut in line · jumps in · burglary · infiltration · trespass · intrusion · tiptoe · creak · pry · crashes · interruption · bypassing · cuts in

Categories
Opposites
entry method

breaks inleaves

Tree's photosynthetic organs

checks in · signs in · exits

manner of approach

breaks inknocks

Strikes with fist

stands back · holds back

training/conditioning

breaks inwears out

Degrades through friction

retires · discards · abandons · breaks down · uses up

Family

break, unbroken, daybreak, outbreak, heartbreak, break-in, break in, break-ins, broken in

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G