break into

break into idiom
  1. Make a forcible entry into, as in The alarm went off as soon as they tried to break into the house. [1300s] Also see break in, def. 1.
  2. Interrupt, as in I couldn't help but break into your conversation. [Mid-1600s]
  3. Suddenly begin some activity, as in Without warning she broke into tears. Also see under burst into.
  4. Enter or be admitted to an occupation or profession, as in Without connections it is virtually impossible to break into acting. [Late 1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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