Break the back of (something)
To reduce the power of something. The company tried very hard to break the back of the union.
Break (something) to (someone)
To tell bad news to someone. The man broke the bad news to his sister.
Break (someone’s) fall
To lessen the impact of a falling person. The baby fell out of the window but the bushes broke her fall.
Break out of (something)
To escape from something. Several prisoners tried to break out of prison last month.
Break out in (something)
To erupt in a rash or pimples. The girl usually breaks out in a rash when she eats shrimp.
Break out in a cold sweat
To perspire from fever or anxiety. I remember breaking out on a cold sweat when I had to hold the orientation speech in front of hundreds of... Read more →
Break out
To become widespread suddenly. We were all terrified when malaria broke out last summer. Many tourists left the city after that.
Break one’s word
To not keep one's promise. My husband always breaks his word when it comes to staying late with his friends in the downtown.
Break off (something) or break (something) off
To discontinue something, to terminate something. After the war, Kosovo and Serbia broke off their relations.
Break loose (from someone or something)
To get away from someone or something that is holding you. The dog broke loose from the rope and as a result all neighbours were afraid to go... Read more →