change into (something)
1. To transform into something else, often a new form or state. How long will take for the caterpillar to change into a butterfly? The more time I spent on my novel, the more I realized that my scathing critique of modern society had changed into a love story. After the massive investment, the small start-up company changed into a huge operation with a sizeable global influence.
2. To transform or alter someone or something into a new form or state. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "change" and "into." My son ran screaming when the magician offered to change him into a frog. Wow, the new owners must have spent a ton of money changing that dilapidated old house into such a gem. A: "It's so exciting that you have your driver's license now!" B: "Yeah, but unless someone magically changes my bike into a car, I'll still be biking to school for the foreseeable future."
3. To dress oneself in different clothes. As soon as I get home from work, I want to change into comfy clothes immediately. Make sure you change into some old jeans before you go on your walk. I don't want mud spattering on your nice clothes! I'm still in my uniform, so just let me change into something else, and then I'll meet you at the restaurant.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
change someone or something into someone or something
to make someone or something change form or state. The wizard claimed he could change a horse into a unicorn. He suddenly changed himself into a smiling friend rather than the gruff old man we had long known.
change into someone or something
to alter one's or its state to another state. The ugly witch changed into a lovely maiden. An insect larva changes into a cocoon.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.