| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| break the bank |
spend all savings, leave no balance
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One more expense this month will break the bank.
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| break the ice |
relieve the tension, put you at ease
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Andy likes to tell a joke to break the ice - to help everybody relax.
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| break the law/rules |
not obey the law, commit a crime
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If you rob a store, you are breaking the law.
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| break the record |
do better than the previous record
|
The coach believes Bev can break the record in long jump.
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| break the silence |
talk about a secret, tell people the truth
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When he accused us of the crime, my brother broke the silence.
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| break up |
not date anymore, not be lovers anymore, breakup
|
Lan and Chan broke up last night. They had a bad quarrel.
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| break your fall |
prevent serious injury when you fall
|
He fell from the roof, but a tree helped to break his fall.
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| break your heart |
cause you to feel very sad and lonely
|
Marilyn broke my heart. She left me for a younger man.
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| breakdown |
sudden health failure, fall apart
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After his breakdown, he found an occupation with less stress.
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| breakup |
separation, divorce, not being partners anymore, break up
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Since their breakup, I don't know where to send my Christmas cards.
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