Cave in Meaning in English
expression
ˈkeɪv/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn
KAYV-in
keɪv/ /ˈɪn
KAYV-in
Definition
To fall down or collapse (physically, like a roof or wall), or to give in to pressure or demands (mentally or emotionally).
Usage & Nuances
Can refer to physical collapse (buildings, tunnels) or emotional/psychological surrender ('cave in to pressure'). Informal in emotional usage. Not the same as 'give up', which is broader. Common collocations: 'the roof caved in', 'cave in to demands'.
Spanish: derrumbarse - rendirsePortuguese (BR): desabar - ceder (psicológico)Portuguese (PT): desabar - ceder (psicológico)Chinese (Simplified): 塌陷 - 屈服Chinese (Traditional): 塌陷 - 屈服Hindi: ढह जाना - हार मान लेनाArabic: ينهار - يستسلمBengali: ধসে পড়া - নতি স্বীকার করাRussian: обрушиться - сдаться (под давлением)Japanese: 崩れる - 折れる（精神的に）Vietnamese: sụp đổ - nhượng bộKorean: 무너지다 - 굴복하다Turkish: çökmek - boyun eğmekUrdu: گر جانا - دباؤ میں آکر مان لیناIndonesian: roboh - menyerah (karena tekanan)
Example Sentences
The old tunnel might cave in if it rains a lot.
basic
The roof started to cave in during the storm.
basic
She didn't want to cave in to her friend's request.
basic
I finally caved in and bought the shoes.
natural
Don’t let them pressure you to cave in if you disagree.
natural
The wall looked like it might cave in at any moment.
natural