break in
To reach a state of functioning more smoothly through use or wear; to cause (something, or someone, new) to undergo this change.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“These new shoes hurt until you break them in.”
“The manager spent two weeks breaking in the new intern, showing her how everything worked.”
“Though the leather jacket felt stiff and awkward at first, within a month of regular wear it had broken in beautifully, softening to fit his shoulders like a second skin.”
- 01
all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 04
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 05
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 06
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 07
break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
- 08
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
Last updated August 10, 2026