â Informal to laugh or make laugh uncontrollably
give someone a break
â
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
To make a start.
To relax a tense or unduly formal atmosphere or social situation.