12 Idioms with the verb BREAK

12 Idioms with the verb BREAK

Jul 19, 2023

Why study idioms?

Understanding idioms is essential for language mastery, offering depth, cultural insight, enhanced communication, and an enjoyable language learning experience.


Do you know these 12 idioms with the verb BREAK?


all hell breaks loose


DEFINITION:

Used to describe a situation in which chaos or disorder suddenly erupts.


EXAMPLES:

  1. When the fire alarm went off in the crowded theater, all hell broke loose as everyone rushed towards the exits.
  2. The moment the referee made a controversial call, all hell broke loose on the soccer field with players and coaches shouting at each other.


break one’s back


DEFINITION:

To work extremely hard or to put in a great deal of effort to accomplish something.


EXAMPLES:

  1. I’ve been breaking my back to finish this project on time.
  2. She broke her back finishing her graduate degree in less than two years while working a 9-to-5 job.


break the bank


DEFINITION:

To spend a lot of money, more than one can afford or more than what is reasonable.


EXAMPLES:

  1. We can't afford to break the bank on this vacation, so we're looking for affordable options.
  2. Despite the high price tag, the computer monitor was so impressive that the gamer was willing to break the bank to buy it.


break a leg


DEFINITION:

This is a common phrase used to wish someone good luck, particularly in the performing arts.


EXAMPLES:

  1. Before the start of the play, the director told the actors to break a leg.
  2. Sarah was nervous about her dance recital, but her friends encouraged her by saying, "Break a leg!"


break the fourth wall


DEFINITION:

This idiom is used to describe when a character in a movie, TV show, play, or book addresses the audience directly or acknowledges that they are in a work of fiction.


EXAMPLES:

  1. In the movie "Deadpool," the main character frequently breaks the fourth wall to talk to the audience and make jokes.
  2. Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" includes several moments where the characters break the fourth wall to comment on the action.


break the ice


DEFINITION:

To do or say something to alleviate tension or awkwardness in a situation, especially when meeting someone new.


EXAMPLES:

  1. At the networking event, I tried to break the ice by asking the other attendees about their hobbies.
  2. It can be hard to break the ice with a new colleague, but inviting them to lunch can help.


break the mold


DEFINITION:

To do something that is different from what is usual or expected.


EXAMPLES:

  1. In 1998, Apple unveiled the iMac and broke the mold with its unique design.
  2. Director Christopher Nolan’s movie Memento broke the mold by telling its story in reverse.


break ground


DEFINITION:

To begin a construction project or to start a new venture or undertaking. It can also refer to the first steps taken to initiate a new idea or plan.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The company will break ground on their new headquarters next week.
  2. The city broke ground on their new community center last year, but construction was halted due to budget issues.


break it/the news to one gently


DEFINITION:

This idiom means to tell someone something unpleasant or difficult in a gentle and considerate way.


EXAMPLES:

  1. When I found out that my friend's dog had died, I knew I had to break the news to her gently.
  2. The doctor had to break it to the patient gently that she would take longer than expected to recover from the surgery .


break out in a cold sweat


DEFINITION:

To suddenly become very afraid, anxious, or nervous.


EXAMPLES:

  1. When I realized that I had left my passport at home, I broke out in a cold sweat because I thought I would miss my flight.
  2. During the scary movie, my brother broke out in a cold sweat every time there was a suspenseful scene.


make or break something


DEFINITION:

This idiom means that something will either lead to success or failure, and that the outcome depends on it.


EXAMPLES:

  1. The final exam will make or break my grade in the class, so I need to study hard.
  2. The success of the new product launch will make or break the company's financial performance for the year.


you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs


DEFINITION:

This idiom means that sometimes in order to achieve something, there will be some difficulties or sacrifices along the way.


EXAMPLES:

  1. If we want to renovate our house, we'll have to accept that there will be some mess and disruption. After all, you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.
  2. Starting a new business is always risky, but sometimes you have to take a chance and remember that you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.