transform

transform into (someone or something)

1. To undergo a change or conversion into someone or something with a markedly or drastically different appearance, form, nature, or function. The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly after pupating in a chrysalis. Tom was quite the anxious introvert during high school, but he transformed into a self-confident and gregarious young man during college. The chemical reaction causes the solution to transform into a solid.

2. To cause someone or something to undergo such a change or conversion. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "transform" and "into." The engine transforms the combustion of fuel into mechanical energy that propels the machine forward. The years spent working on Wall Street transformed Sarah into a cunning and ruthless businesswoman.

See also: transform

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

transform someone or something (from someone or something) (in)to someone or something

to change someone or something from someone or something into someone or something else. Time had transformed gangly little Rachel into a lovely young woman. Manners transformed Tom from a pest into a prince.

See also: to, transform

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.