break in

break someone in

to train someone to do a new job; to supervise someone who is learning to do a new job. Who will break the new employee in? I have to break in a new receptionist.

See also: break

break something in 

1. Lit. to crush or batter something to pieces; to break something down. Why are you breaking the door in? Here's the key! Who broke in the door?

2. Fig. to use a new device until it runs well and smoothly; to wear shoes, perhaps a little at a time, until they feel comfortable. I can't drive at high speed until I break this car in. I want to go out this weekend and break in the car. The new shoes hurt her feet because they were not yet broken in.

See also: break

break in (on someone)

1. to burst into a place and violate some one's privacy. The police broke in on him at his home and arrested him. They needed a warrant to break in.

2. to interrupt someone's conversation. (See also break in (on something).) If you need to talk to me, just break in on me. Feel free to break in if it's an emergency.

See also: break

break in (to something or some place)

to force entry into a place criminally; to enter some place forcibly for the purpose of robbery or other illegal acts. The thugs broke into the liquor store. They broke in and took all the money.

See also: break

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break in

1. to interrupt During the day they break in about every half hour to give the latest news.

2. to enter illegally While she was out somebody broke in and stole everything she had.

See also: break

break in something also break something in

to make something comfortable by using it They're great shoes because I've already broken them in.

See also: break