idioms involving “break”

Break up

To stop being or working together

“The task force will break up after Christmas even if their work is not finished.”　Note: This phrase is used to describe couples that are no longer dating. They “broke up”.

Breakdown

Separate by category

“The auditors would like a breakdown of our transportation costs by week.”　Note: “Break down” is a compound verb that means to stop working. “The train didn’t break down.”

Breakthrough

Major leap forward

“After years of research, the scientists made a breakthrough in how the brain functions.”

Break out

To separate

“After the president’s speech, the participants will break out into discussion groups.”

Break new ground

To be the first to achieve or discover something

“Matsuda-san broke new ground: she is the first female president of a major car maker.”