Phrases & Expressions

To stop doing something that you do regularly.

• He finally broke the habit of biting his nails.
• It's hard to break a bad habit.

To fail to do what you promised.

• She broke her promise again.
• Never break a promise to a child.

To do something faster or better than ever before.

• She broke the world record.
• He broke his own record.

To start sweating because of physical effort.

• Run until you break a sweat.
• I only walked for ten minutes, but I broke a sweat.

To enter a building illegally, usually by force, to steal something.

• Thieves broke in through the kitchen window last night.
• Someone broke in while we were on holiday.

To break into two pieces.

• The rope broke in two under the weight.
• The bridge broke in two during the earthquake.

To separate a part from something by breaking it.

• He broke off a piece of bread.
• She broke off a square of chocolate and gave it to me.

To cause someone to feel very sad or disappointed.

• It broke my heart to see her cry.
• Don't break your parents' heart.

To suddenly start laughing loudly and uncontrollably.

• The joke was so funny, we all broke out laughing.
• She tried to stay serious but broke out laughing.

To escape from.

• He broke out of prison.
• Break out of your routine.