Idioms and Expressions with "break"

Study the vocabulary list and complete the activities below.

Using the word "break", we can express everything from wishing someone luck to talking about money! Let's look at six essential idioms for your daily conversations.

• 1. Break the ice - To say or do something that makes people feel more relaxed and comfortable in a social situation, especially when meeting for the first time. (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Quebrar o gelo)
  • A funny joke is always a great way to break the ice at a party.
  • We played a game at the start of the meeting to break the ice.
  • He felt nervous, but her warm smile helped break the ice.
• 2. Break a leg - A traditional way to wish someone good luck, especially before they go on stage to perform. (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Boa sorte / Merda - usado no teatro)
  • I know you have been practicing the piano for months. Go out there and break a leg!
  • You have a big presentation today, right? Break a leg!
  • She told the actors to break a leg before the curtains opened.
• 3. Break the bank - To cost too much money, or more than you can afford. (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Custar os olhos da cara / Ser uma fortuna)
  • You can get a great smartphone these days without breaking the bank.
  • We want a nice vacation, but we don't want to break the bank.
  • Buying a new car right now would definitely break the bank.
• 4. Break the news - To tell someone about something important, usually something sad, surprising, or unexpected. (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Dar a notícia)
  • The doctor had to break the news to the family about the surgery.
  • I don't want to be the one to break the news, but the concert was canceled.
  • They waited until dinner to break the news of their engagement.
• 5. Break someone's heart - To cause someone great emotional pain or deep sadness, often because of a romantic breakup or disappointment. (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Partir o coração de alguém)
  • It broke her heart to see her best friend move to another country.
  • He is a nice guy; please don't break his heart.
  • The sad ending of the movie broke my heart.
• 6. Break even - To have no profit and no loss at the end of a business activity or a game (the money coming in equals the money going out). (Equivalent in Brazilian Portuguese: Ficar no zero a zero / Empatar)
  • The company didn't make a profit this year, but at least they managed to break even.
  • After paying for the venue and the food, the organizers just broke even.
  • If we sell 50 tickets, we will break even.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Definition Matching

Match the idiom to its correct meaning.

Select... A. To wish someone good luck. B. To make a situation less formal. C. To reach a point of no profit and no loss. D. To tell someone important information. E. To be extremely expensive. Break the news

Select... A. To wish someone good luck. B. To make a situation less formal. C. To reach a point of no profit and no loss. D. To tell someone important information. E. To be extremely expensive. Break a leg

Select... A. To wish someone good luck. B. To make a situation less formal. C. To reach a point of no profit and no loss. D. To tell someone important information. E. To be extremely expensive. Break the ice

Select... A. To wish someone good luck. B. To make a situation less formal. C. To reach a point of no profit and no loss. D. To tell someone important information. E. To be extremely expensive. Break even

Select... A. To wish someone good luck. B. To make a situation less formal. C. To reach a point of no profit and no loss. D. To tell someone important information. E. To be extremely expensive. Break the bank

Activity 2: Gap Fill

Complete the sentences with the correct idiom. Change the verb form if necessary (e.g., breaking, broke).

1. I’m so nervous about my audition! — Don't worry, you'll be great. !

2. We spent so much on the flight that we can't afford a fancy hotel without .

3. It when he realized he lost his grandfather's watch.

4. Who is going to to Sarah that she didn't get the job?

5. The small business finally after two years of hard work.

Activity 3: Reading Comprehension

Read the dialogue and answer the questions.

Mark: "Hey, Sarah! Are you ready for your big presentation today?"
Sarah: "I'm terrified, Mark. I don't know anyone in that room."
Mark: "Just tell a quick story about your cat to break the ice. You’ll do fine. Break a leg!"
Sarah: "Thanks! I hope the company likes my project. We need this deal to break even this month."

1. Why does Mark suggest telling a story about a cat?

2. What does Mark wish for Sarah at the end of his second sentence?

3. What is the financial goal of Sarah's company for the month?