break into

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break into (third-person singular simple present breaks into, present participle breaking into, simple past broke into, past participle broken into)

1. (transitive, idiomatic) To enter illegally or by force, especially in order to commit a crime.

   Somebody broke into his car and stole his tools and CDs.

   Hackers broke into the bank's computer system and stole customer data.

2. (transitive, idiomatic) To open or begin to use.

   I finally broke into the second package of cookies.

3. (transitive, idiomatic) To successfully enter a profession or business.

   He hopes to break into show business.

4. (transitive) To begin suddenly.

   The horse broke into a gallop as they neared the barn.

   • 1945 August 17, George Orwell, chapter 6, in Animal Farm: A Fairy Story, London: Secker & Warburg, OCLC 3655473:

     Then, as usual, the sheep broke into "Four legs good, two legs bad!" and the momentary awkwardness was smoothed over.