break into a run: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘break into a run’ mean?
The idiom "break into a run" means to suddenly start running, often due to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "make a run for it" means to quickly and urgently attempt to escape from a situation or location.
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "kick in" has several meanings and uses in the English language. Here are the facts about this idiom:
The term "kick in" comes from the verb "kick," which means to strike with the foot.
The idiom "jump the gun" means to do or say something prematurely or before the appropriate time.
Jump the gun is an idiom that means to act prematurely or take action before the appropriate time. The phrase originated in the United States during the early 20th century and is commonly used in everyday language. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, in spoken and written communication.
The idiom "jump in one's skin" means to startle or shock someone, causing a noticeable physical reaction. It often refers to a sudden surprise or fright that causes a person to react quickly or jolt in surprise.
Jump in one's skin is an idiomatic expression that describes the strong, involuntary reaction to a sudden surprise or shock. When someone jumps in their skin, they physically feel their skin tighten or prickling, often accompanied by a visible startle or jolt.
The idiom "in the running" means to be a competitor or have a chance of winning in a particular competition or pursuit.
In the running is an idiom commonly used in American English. The phrase conveys the idea of being considered as a serious contender or participant in a competition or achieving a particular goal. It is often used in various contexts such as politics, sports, job applications, and other competitive situations.
The idiom "hit the pavement" means to go outside and start walking or running. It is often used to indicate someone taking action or making an effort.
The idiom "hit the pavement" is commonly used in American English and has a specific meaning. This analysis will explore the origins and usage of this idiom, as well as its figurative meaning and possible alternatives.
The idiom "hit the ground running" means to start a project or task quickly and energetically, without wasting any time. It indicates a proactive and effective approach to getting things done.
The idiom "hit it up" means to begin or start something, often with enthusiasm or energy.
The idiom "hit it up" is a popular phrase in American English. It is commonly used in informal contexts and can have multiple meanings depending on the context.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The Pursuit Accelerates
break into a run is an idiom that means starting to run suddenly and with urgency. It is often used in situations where someone needs to run quickly, such as in response to danger or to catch up with something or someone. The origin and history of this idiom are not easily traceable, but it likely stems from the use of the verb 'break' to signify a sudden or forceful action, combined with the action of running. The phrase 'break into' is also used in other contexts to express a sudden and spontaneous change in state or action, like breaking into a smile or breaking into laughter.
When someone 'breaks into a run', it signifies a shift from a stationary or slow-moving position to a rapid and determined movement. This idiom conveys a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action. It can also suggest a reaction to fear, excitement, or a strong motivation to quickly reach a specific goal or destination.
The idiom 'break into a run' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, appearing in literature, journalism, and everyday conversations. For instance, a news article might describe a person breaking into a run while chasing a criminal, or a novel might depict a character breaking into a run to catch a train before it departs.
This idiom is especially popular in American English, reflecting the fast-paced lifestyle often associated with American culture. The concept of swiftly 'breaking into a run' symbolizes the American spirit of urgency and ambition, where time is of the essence and individuals are driven to achieve their goals swiftly.
The related idiom 'make a run for it' is often used interchangeably with 'break into a run'. It implies a similar sense of urgency and the need to quickly start running. However, 'make a run for it' has a slightly different connotation, suggesting a more deliberate and purposeful action. It can be used to describe someone running away from a dangerous situation, making a dash for freedom, or attempting to escape from something or someone.
Another related idiom is 'break into', which is often used to describe a sudden and forceful entry into a place. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses. In the literal sense, it refers to forcefully entering a physical location, such as breaking into a house or breaking into a room. In the figurative sense, it can refer to entering a new field, breaking into a new market, or breaking into a conversation.
The idiom 'break out' is also connected to 'break into a run'. It typically indicates a sudden and intense action or occurrence. 'Break out' can be used to describe a situation where an individual or a group of people escape from a confined space or overcome a barrier, such as breaking out of prison or breaking out of a room. In the context of 'break into a run', 'break out' can emphasize the suddenness and intensity of the action of starting to run.
Lastly, 'break in' is another related idiom that shares similarities with 'break into a run'. 'Break in' refers to the act of forcefully entering a place with the intention of committing a crime, such as breaking in a house or breaking in a car. In the context of 'break into a run', 'break in' can emphasize the impulsive and sudden nature of the action of starting to run.
Overall, the idiom 'break into a run' is widely used in the English language to describe the act of starting to run suddenly and with speed. It conveys a sense of urgency, determination, and the need for immediate action. Its popularity in American English can be seen as a reflection of the fast-paced culture ingrained in American society. The idiom 'break into a run' captures the desire to swiftly attain goals and overcome challenges, leaving us with a sense of the endless possibilities that arise when we choose to take action swiftly.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "break into a run" can be used:
- She spotted the bus coming towards her and broke into a run to catch it.
- As soon as the gun went off, the athletes broke into a run, sprinting towards the finish line.
- Feeling scared, he broke into a run and quickly disappeared around the corner.
More "Movement" idioms
