Definition of break into

The phrase "break into" has its origins in the context of forced entry into something, such as a building or safe. The exact origin of the expression is not clear, but it's believed to have arisen in the mid-19th century when criminals would physically break into a place using force or tools to gain access. Over time, the usage of "break into" evolved to describe other scenarios besides criminal activity. Nowadays, it's commonly used in a figurative sense to indicate the act of entering a new sector, profession, or level of achievement. For instance, "I'm trying to break into the tech industry" or "She's working hard to break into the party scene." The Use of "Break Into" in Literature: The expression "break into" has been cited in literature since at least the late 19th century. In Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist," for instance, the criminal Fagin instructs his apprentice to "break into" a shop and steal. The phrase was also used by Robert Louis Stevenson in his novel "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," where Mr. Hyde breaks into the home of Dr. Jekyll. Conclusion: In summary, the term "break into" emerged as a literal expression to describe the act of physically forcing entry into a place, but it has since been adapted and transformed into a metaphorical phrase to signify entering new and unfamiliar territories, both figuratively and literally.