# melt into

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/melt-into
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to blend in or disappear slowly into a background or a group so you are no longer noticed.

For teachers: To blend gradually into a surrounding environment or group until no longer distinct. This phrasal verb is typically used to describe a seamless transition or a quiet disappearance.

## Examples

- The thief melts into the crowd to avoid being caught.
- As the sun sets, the deer slowly melts into the shadows of the forest.
- The ancient ruins seem to melt into the rugged landscape, their stones weathered by centuries of wind and rain until they are indistinguishable from the surrounding cliffs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He melted in the crowd." but "He melted into the crowd." — The preposition 'into' is necessary to show the transition from being distinct to being part of the group.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is almost always followed by a noun phrase representing a crowd, darkness, or the background.
- Teaching tip: Contrast this with 'blend in'; 'melt into' suggests a more gradual, almost magical disappearance into a larger whole.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.