break into

Enter a building, vehicle, or computer system without permission, often to steal something.

• Someone broke into our house.
• Thieves broke into three cars last night.
• Could anyone break into this computer system?

How to use it: break into somewhere/something (Someone broke into the office last night.)

Similar words: burgle, force entry into

Common phrases: break into something, break into houses, break into cars

Succeed in starting work in a profession or selling in a new market.

• He wants to break into acting.
• Our company broke into the Japanese market last year.
• How did you break into journalism?

How to use it: break into something (She hopes to break into the film industry.)

Similar words: enter, get into

Common phrases: break into acting, break into publishing, break into something

Suddenly start an action, expression, or way of moving.

• She broke into a smile.
• The children broke into song as we arrived.
• The horse suddenly broke into a gallop.

How to use it: break into something (The audience broke into loud applause.)

Similar words: burst into, start suddenly

Common phrases: break into song, break into tears, break into laughter

Open something or start using a supply you have kept until now.

• We broke into the emergency biscuits.
• She finally broke into the box of chocolates.
• Do we really need to break into our savings?

How to use it: break into something (We had to break into our savings to pay the bill.)

Similar words: open, start using, dip into

Common phrases: break into savings, break into something