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What does "break" mean?

In addition to the idioms beginning with break, also see get a break; give someone a break; make a break for it; make or break; never give a sucker an even break; take a break; tough break. Also see under broke.

See break in WNW Idioms

break a leg!

good luck!: said as to a performer, esp. in the theater

break away

to leave suddenly; get away; escape

break down

to go out of working order
to give way to tears or emotion
to have a physical or nervous collapse
to crush or overcome (opposition, etc.)
to separate into parts; analyze

break even

Informal to finish as neither a winner nor a loser

break in

to enter forcibly or unexpectedly
to interrupt
to train (a beginner)
â to prepare (something new) by use or wear

break in on

or break in upon

to intrude on
to interrupt

break off

to stop abruptly, as in talking
to stop being friendly or intimate

break out

to begin suddenly
to escape suddenly
to become covered with pimples or a rash
1. Naut. to bring out of stowage for use break out the foul weather gear
2. Informal to bring out (anything) for use

break up

to separate; disperse
also, esp. as a command, break it up
to take apart; dismantle and scrap
to put a stop to
Informal to end a relationship
â Informal to distress or upset greatly
â Informal to laugh or make laugh uncontrollably

give someone a break

Informal to stop treating harshly, critically, etc.

See break in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

break a leg

Used to wish someone, such as an actor, success in a performance.

break bread

To eat together.

break camp

To pack up equipment and leave a campsite.

break cover

To emerge from a protected location or hiding place: The platoon broke cover and headed down the road.

break even

To gain an amount equal to that invested, as in a commercial venture.

break ground

To begin a new construction project.
To advance beyond previous achievements.

break new ground

To advance beyond previous achievements: broke new ground in the field of computers.

break (one's) neck

To make the utmost possible effort.

rank

break

/ranks

To fall into disorder, as a formation of soldiers.
To fail to conform to a prevailing or expected pattern or order: “Architectural experts have criticized the plaza in the past because it breaks rank with the distinctive façades of neighboring Fifth Avenue blocks, whose buildings are flush with the sidewalk” (Sharon Churcher).

break (someone's) heart

To disappoint or dispirit someone severely.

break the bank

To require more money than is available.

break the ice