idioms using “break”

Break a leg

Said to wish someone good luck

“Don’t be nervous, Kitano-san. Get out there and break a leg!”

Break new ground

To achieve something that has never been done before

“The scientists truly broke new ground in the laboratory last week.”

Make-or-break moment

A succeed or fail moment

“For Inoue-san, her speech to the board of directors was a make-or-break moment in her career.”

Break the ice

To warm up to someone new, to get through the first conversation with someone new

“The cocktail party before the meeting will give the participants a chance to introduce themselves to each other and to break the ice.”

Break one’s word

To fail to keep a promise

“No one trusts him anymore because he has broken his word too many times.”