burn (something) into (something)
burn (something) into (something)
1. Literally, to use heat to engrave or etch something into a material. We need to burn the letters into the wood first, then you can work on the rest of your design.
2. To cause something to leave a lasting or permanent impression on someone or something. Often used in passive constructions. The image of you two kissing is now burned into my memory now! Gross! This material needs to be burned into your mind before the big test.
3. To cause to remain permanently visible on a screen, as can happen when an image has been continuously displayed on a screen for a long period of time. That image could get burned into the TV if you leave the movie paused for much longer.
See also: burn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
burn something into something
and burn something in1. Lit. to engrave, brand, or etch marks or letters into something by the use of great heat. She burned her initials into the handle of the umbrella. She burned in her initials.
2. Fig. to implant something firmly in someone's head, brain, memory, etc. She burned the information into her head. The events of the day burned in sad memories.
See also: burn
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
burn into
Make an indelible impression on, as in An event like the Holocaust burns into the minds of all the survivors, or The scene was burned into her memory. This expression alludes to such processes as etching or engraving, where a caustic substance bites into a solid plate to make a design. [Early 1800s]
See also: burn
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- burn into
- burn in
- engrave (something) on (something)
- engrave (something) with (something)
- engrave on
- engrave with
- engrave (something) upon (something)
- etch (something) in(to) (something)
- etch in
- inscribe into (something)