1
general::
1. Develop so as to become, as in The army makes a boy grow into a man. [Mid-1500s] 2. Develop or change so as to fit, as in He'll soon grow into the next shoe size, or She has grown into her job. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): grow into something
1. Lit. [for a child] to develop into a particular type of person. • The child grew into a tall, powerful athlete. • I hope I have grown into a person my parents can be proud of. 2. Lit. [for a plant] to develop into a mature specimen of its species. • This twig will grow into an oak tree. • I hope this seedling grows into a fine mango tree. 3. Lit. [for a plant, tumor, toenail] to penetrate into something as it grows. • The roots of the tree grew into our sewer line. • Try to keep the tree roots from growing into the foundation. 4. Lit. to grow enough to fit into something. • The shirt is a little large, but Timmy will grow into it. • My shoes are too big, but I will grow into them. 5. Fig. [for a situation or a problem] to develop into something more serious. • I hope this matter doesn’t grow into something worse. • This business is growing into a real crisis.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs