Break Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Idioms are like secret codes or puzzles in language that share a specific meaning not directly linked to the words used. They make talking fun and interesting. In this blog post, we’ll explore some cool idioms, explain what they mean, and show how they are used in sentences.

Break Idioms

Here are 20 break idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.

1. Break the ice

Meaning: To start a conversation in a social setting.
Example: He told a joke to break the ice at the party.

2. Break a leg

Meaning: Good luck, especially to performers.
Example: Before the show, I whispered, “Break a leg!”

3. Break the bank

Meaning: To cost too much money.
Example: Buying that car won’t break the bank.

4. Break the mold

Meaning: Do something in a new way.
Example: His style of teaching breaks the mold.

5. Break new ground

Meaning: Do something innovative.
Example: This research breaks new ground in science.

6. Break even

Meaning: To neither lose nor gain money.
Example: After paying expenses, we just broke even.

7. Break the news

Meaning: Inform or announce something.
Example: He broke the news gently to his team.

8. Break one’s heart

Meaning: To cause deep sadness.
Example: The sad movie broke everyone’s heart.

9. Break a sweat

Meaning: To exert oneself physically.
Example: He didn’t even break a sweat during the workout.

10. Break the cycle

Meaning: To stop a recurring problem.
Example: She is determined to break the cycle of poverty.

11. Break ranks

Meaning: To go against a group’s stance.
Example: He broke ranks with his party on that issue.

12. Break the silence

Meaning: To interrupt a period of quiet.
Example: The bell broke the silence in the hall.

13. Break ground

Meaning: Start a new construction project.
Example: They broke ground on the new library today.

14. Break a code

Meaning: Solve a puzzle or find a solution.
Example: The spy managed to break the enemy’s code.

15. Break one’s word

Meaning: To fail to keep a promise.
Example: He broke his word and didn’t show up.

16. Break the record

Meaning: To surpass an existing record.
Example: She broke the record for the fastest lap.

17. Break free

Meaning: To escape from confinement.
Example: The horse broke free from the stable.

18. Break one’s fall

Meaning: Lessen the impact of a fall.
Example: The bushes broke his fall.

19. Break the chain

Meaning: Stop a sequence of events.
Example: Vaccination helps to break the chain of infection.

20. Break into a smile

Meaning: To suddenly start smiling.
Example: She broke into a smile when she saw him.

Break Idioms