Phrases & Expressions

To face and endure cold weather or conditions willingly.

• We had to brave the cold to get to the car.
• She was brave enough to brave the cold for the photo.

To decide the winner when two or more competitors have an equal score, often by an additional round or rule.

• His goal broke the tie in the final minute.
• A penalty shoot-out was used to break the tie.

To start digging the ground to begin building something.

• They broke ground on the new library.
• Construction crews broke ground on the stadium yesterday.

To escape from restraint or control.

• The dog broke loose from its leash.
• Several boats broke loose during the storm and drifted away.

To do something completely new or innovative.

• Her research broke new ground in medicine.
• This technology breaks new ground in solar energy.

To end a rental agreement before the agreed time.

• I have to break the lease because I'm moving.
• Breaking the lease can be expensive.

To do something in a way that is different from the usual way.

• She broke the mold with her unconventional style.
• He broke the mold of a typical politician.

To end a relationship or connection with a person or group.

• She broke with her family after a bitter argument.
• Several members broke with the club over the new rules.

To make someone stop dreaming and face reality.

• His failure brought him down to earth.
• The bill for the holiday soon brought us down to earth.

To make a situation reach a critical point where a decision or action is necessary.

• The ongoing dispute brought matters to a head.
• The crisis brought matters to a head, forcing them to negotiate.