cave in

To fall inward or downward because something cannot support its weight.

• The roof caved in.
• Part of the tunnel caved in after heavy rain.
• Could this ceiling cave in if we remove that beam?

How to use it: cave in under something (The roof caved in under the weight of the snow.)

Similar words: collapse, fall in

Common phrases: cave in suddenly, cave in under pressure

To stop refusing and agree to do what someone wants.

• I finally caved in.
• Her parents caved in and bought her a bike.
• Will the company cave in to their demands?

How to use it: cave in to someone/something (The council caved in to pressure from residents.)

Similar words: give in, yield, relent

Opposites: resist

Common phrases: cave in to pressure, cave in eventually

To hit or press something so that its surface breaks or bends inward.

• The blow caved in the door.
• A heavy rock caved in the metal lid.
• Could that branch cave in the roof?

How to use it: cave in something (A falling branch caved in the roof.)

Similar words: crush

Common phrases: cave in something, cave in a roof