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Break away:
to run away or escape from a person, situation or place.
- The robber tried to break away from the police man but he did not escape.
to leave a group, especially a political party, usually to start another group.
- The more radical members broke away from the Liberal Party and formed a new left-wing party.
Break down:
when a machine or vehicle stops working.
- Our car broke down on the way to the airport.
when a discussion or relationship is no longer successful.
- The peace talks broke down and the ceasefire was called off.
Break in:
to enter a building illegally, usually with the intention to steal something.
- The thief broke in last night while we were out at the cinema.
to interrupt someone when they are talking or thinking.
- Nora broke in, ‘I think you should both stop arguing, you’re not resolving anything’.
to train a young horse.
- We break in our horses when they are four years old.
to help someone get used to new duties or practices, like a new job.
- I need someone to help break in the new employees next week.
to make new clothes, especially shoes, comfortable by wearing them.
- I can’t wait to break in my new boots, my feet are killing me!
Break into
to unexpectedly or suddenly begin to do something.
- She broke into tears in the middle of the ceremony.
to enter or open forcibly, usually to steal something.
- She broke into his house through the bathroom window.
to change pace to a faster one.
- The man broke into a sprint and ran off.
to begin to have success in a particular area or career.
- It is hard to break into acting but you’ll be rich and famous when you do!
to interrupt someone when they are talking or thinking.
- Gavin broke in, ‘I have to go now, I’m sorry’.
to start using an amount of money.
- I had to break into my savings last month…again!
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Break off:
to end a relationship or engagement.
- She broke off the engagement when she found out he was cheating on her.
to suddenly stop speaking or doing something.
- She broke off mid-sentence and began to cry.
to remove a piece of something from the main part.
- She broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to him.
to become severed or separated from the main part.
- The arm broke off the chair, we need to repair it.
Break out
the start of something undesirable.
- Mary had just turned nine when the war broke out.
to escape.
- According to news reports, a dangerous prisoner has broken out of jail in New York earlier today.
the sudden appearance or manifestation of a physical discomfort such as a rash, sweating etc.
- She saw him and instantly broke out in a sweat.
to open and start using.
- I think it is time to break out the champagne!
to escape from a situation or way of life.
- I need to break out of this routine and do something new and exciting.
Break through
to force your way through something that is preventing you from moving forward.
- The protesters broke through the police barrier and gained entry to the laboratory.
to achieve success or make a discovery, especially after having spent a long time trying.
- After years of rejection, Hilary finally broke through and quickly became famous.
to appear from behind.
- The sun broke through the clouds and illuminated everything.
Break up
when a relationship comes to an end.
- He was devastated when they broke up.
to break something into smaller pieces,
- If we break the chocolate bars up, everyone can have a piece.
to stop a fight.
- Thankfully the police broke up the fight before anyone got hurt.
when a radio or telephone signal is interrupted by interference causing it to be inaudible.
- You will have to call me back; I can’t hear you, you’re breaking up!
to finish school for the holidays.
- We break up for the summer next week, I can’t wait!
to start to laugh uncontrollably.
- She broke up with laughter in the middle of the exam.
when an event or meeting ends.
- I am sorry to break up the party, but I have an early start tomorrow and I have to go home.
to divide an area or period of time to make it more manageable.
- I usually take a coffee break at 4pm to break up the afternoon.
More for you:
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thanks!! I had a homework related to this and helped a lot.