[Idiom] run in

[gurpreetgill4u]

Hello,

I can not understand the meaning of "run in " in the following sentence:
Let's run in the new model on a short flight.

source: http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/run+in

Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

[GoesStation]

It's another way to say "break in", which means to use equipment gently before subjecting it to tougher conditions.

 

[gurpreetgill4u]

How formal/common is this way ?

 

[Barb_D]

I've never heard it used that way. It is not commonly used in the circles I run in.
Perhaps it's more common in the aviation industry.

 

[andrewg927]

According to dictionary.com, "run in" with that meaning was used in the 1900's. I don't think it is common today but it may be.

 

[GoesStation]

How formal/common is this way ?

I think "run in" is the usual term in British English. What do our British members say?

 

[jutfrank]

It sounds quite natural to my ear. It's possible that it might be more likely to be used by people who work with machines, or who think in a more techy way.

 

[Rover_KE]

I think "run in" is the usual term in British English. What do our British members say?

We used to have to run in new cars by not exceeding 40mph for the first thousand miles.

That doesn't seem to be necessary these days.

 

[andrewg927]

We used to have to run in new cars by not exceeding 40mph for the first thousand miles.

That doesn't seem to be necessary these days.

I would use "break in" but apparently "run in" is how Britons prefer it.

It is recommended that you don't drive at any one constant speed for the first 500 miles.