break something to someone

break something to someone
break something to someone
to disclose some news or information to someone. (Often said of unpleasant news.) •

I hate to be the one to break this to you, but there is trouble at home.

We broke the bad news to Ken gently.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • break away from someone — break away (from (someone/something)) 1. to escape. George s excited horse broke away and ran off into the field. 2. to separate from the control of someone or something. Scotland isn t going to suddenly break away from the rest of Great Britain …   New idioms dictionary

  • break faith with someone — break faith with (something/someone) formal to stop supporting an idea or person, especially by not doing what you promised to do. She claims that the government has broken faith with teachers by failing to give additional funds to education …   New idioms dictionary

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  • break — ► VERB (past broke; past part. broken) 1) separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. 2) make or become inoperative; stop working. 3) interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course). 4) fail to observe (a law, regulation, or… …   English terms dictionary

  • break away from something — break away (from (someone/something)) 1. to escape. George s excited horse broke away and ran off into the field. 2. to separate from the control of someone or something. Scotland isn t going to suddenly break away from the rest of Great Britain …   New idioms dictionary

  • break away from — break away (from (someone/something)) 1. to escape. George s excited horse broke away and ran off into the field. 2. to separate from the control of someone or something. Scotland isn t going to suddenly break away from the rest of Great Britain …   New idioms dictionary

  • break away — (from (someone/something)) 1. to escape. George s excited horse broke away and ran off into the field. 2. to separate from the control of someone or something. Scotland isn t going to suddenly break away from the rest of Great Britain. We re… …   New idioms dictionary

  • break up — {v.} 1. To break into pieces. * /The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the pipes under it./ * /River ice breaks up in the spring./ 2. {informal} To lose or destroy spirit or self control. Usually used in the passive. * /Mrs. Lawrence was… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • break up — {v.} 1. To break into pieces. * /The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the pipes under it./ * /River ice breaks up in the spring./ 2. {informal} To lose or destroy spirit or self control. Usually used in the passive. * /Mrs. Lawrence was… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • break up — {v. phr.} To end a romantic relationship, a marriage, or a business partnership. * /Tom and Jane broke up because Tom played so much golf that he had no time for her./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • break up — {v. phr.} To end a romantic relationship, a marriage, or a business partnership. * /Tom and Jane broke up because Tom played so much golf that he had no time for her./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

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