What Does “Bore into sth” Mean?
“Bore into sth” means to make a hole in something by drilling or to look at someone intensely as if drilling into them with your eyes.
Introduction
The phrase “bore into sth” has two common meanings in English. First, it describes the action of drilling or making a hole into an object. For example, you might bore into a piece of wood to insert a screw. Second, it is used figuratively to describe staring at someone with great intensity, as if your eyes are drilling into them. Understanding the bore into sth meaning is helpful for both everyday conversations and more descriptive writing. This phrasal verb is versatile and appears in many contexts, from construction to social interactions. Learning how to use “bore into sth” correctly will improve your English fluency and make your speech more natural.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: bore into something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to drill a hole in something or to look at someone very intensely
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Bore into sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, so it always requires an object (sth = something).
It is usually inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “bore” and “into”.
Correct pattern:
- Subject + bore + into + object
- Example: She bore into the metal with a drill.
How to Use “Bore into sth”?
Use “bore into sth” when describing the physical action of drilling or making a hole in an object. It is common in technical or practical contexts like construction or crafting.
Use it figuratively to describe intense staring, often to show suspicion, anger, or focus. This use adds emotion or drama to your sentences.
Examples
- He bore into the wall to hang the heavy picture frame.
- Her eyes bore into me, making me feel uncomfortable.
- The machine bore into the rock to extract samples.
- She bore into his soul with a silent, questioning look.
- They bore into the wood carefully to avoid splitting it.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She bore the wall into the drill.
Correct: She bore into the wall with the drill. - Incorrect: He bore into deeply the metal.
Correct: He bore deeply into the metal. - Incorrect: I bore into him with my eyes.
Correct: I bore into him with my eyes.
Differences / Synonyms
Bore into sth vs. Drill into sth: Both mean making a hole, but “drill into” is more commonly used in technical contexts, while “bore into” can sound more formal or mechanical.
Bore into sth vs. Stare at sth: “Bore into” suggests an intense, penetrating look, often with emotion, while “stare at” is more neutral and less intense.
Common Collocations
- bore into wood
- bore into metal
- bore into rock
- bore into someone’s eyes
- bore into a problem (figurative)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of bore into sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Why are you staring at me like that?
Tom: Sorry, I didn’t mean to bore into your eyes. I’m just trying to understand what you said.
Anna: It’s okay. Sometimes your looks feel like a drill!
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “bore into sth”:
- He used a drill to _______ the metal plate.
- Her eyes _______ me when I told the truth.
- The machine _______ deep _______ the rock.
FAQs
- Q: Is “bore into sth” separable? A: No, it is inseparable. The object always comes after “into”.
- Q: Can “bore into sth” be used figuratively? A: Yes, it often describes an intense or penetrating look.
- Q: What is the difference between “bore into” and “drill into”? A: “Drill into” is more common for tools; “bore into” can be more formal or emotional.
- Q: Can I say “bore into someone’s mind”? A: Figuratively, yes, to mean deeply examining thoughts or feelings.
- Q: What level is “bore into sth” suitable for? A: It is suitable for intermediate learners (B2 level).
