- break in (to something)
Intransitive
Meaning: force entry to a building
Example: Somebody broke in last night and stole our television.
When I was a child, someone broke into my parent’s garage and stole the lawn mower!
2. break something in
Transitive / Separable
Meaning: wear something a few times so that it doesn’t look/feel new
Example: I need to break in my new sneakers before I run the marathon!
Did you know that a good way to break in soccer cleats is to wear them in the shower? It seems strange, but it works!