Google ngram registers break for, whose usage is consistently upward since 1840. The specific grammatical, syntactic, and structural character of a given language. An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, nonliteral meaning attached to the phrase. An idiom is a phrase, saying, or a group of words with a metaphorical not literal meaning, which has become accepted in common usage. You can complete the definition of break off given by the english definition dictionary with other english dictionaries.
I worked off the books in my uncles restaurant for a few months during the. This is the british english definition of break off. An idiom is an expression whose meaning is different from the literal meaning, such as its raining cats and dogs. I wanted to buy a new car but realized with my present finances it would break the bank. Architectural experts have criticized the plaza in the past because it breaks rank with the distinctive facades of neighboring fifth avenue blocks, whose buildings are flush with the sidewalk sharon churcher. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom s figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. Hence in a detective show, a clue that appears vital to solving a mystery is often added to heighten suspense, but may turn out to have been irrelevant. Breakoff definition, a discontinuation, especially abrupt, as of relations. Oxford registers break away down, forth, in, off, out trough, up, into, but for break for. Phrase with special meaning functioning as verbfor example, put their heads together, come to an end. While many proposed origins of this phrase are disputed, it is commonly accepted that turning a blind eye comes from a comment made by british admiral horatio nelson. By signing up, youll get thousands of stepbystep solutions to your homework questions. A speech form or an expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or cannot be understood from the individual meanings of. Steve and janet broke up after being together for three years.
More example sentences britain threatened to break off diplomatic relations. A person who is barking up the wrong tree is doing the is looking in the. My friend sarah always goes strictly by the book at her. Change your default dictionary to american english. Mcgrawhills dictionary of american idioms and phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs meaning of break off my english pages. Search break off and thousands of other words in english definition and synonym dictionary from reverso. The list of idioms and expressions below is by no means complete, and, indeed, as the.
Break off definition of break off by oxford dictionary on. After a few long and bitter arguments, they broke off their relationship. If part of something breaks off or if you break it off, it comes off or is removed by. He broke a piece of the decorative stone off the side of the church. I had to chase my dog down the street after he broke away during our walk. Definition of break off with someone in the idioms dictionary. To pause a particular activity for a particular reason or time period with the intention to resume after the break. So from then, the phrase became used to refer to a violent or forceful opening mostly occurring from within. The exams are only a month away, if you dont hit the books now, youll surely fail. Break off with someone idioms by the free dictionary. American heritage dictionary of the english language, fifth edition. Definition of break into by the dictionary of american idioms. Definitions, usage examples and translations inside. All of the above idioms would be highly usefull for.
Wikipedia, lexilogos, oxford, cambridge, chambers harrap, wordreference, collins lexibase dictionaries, merriam webster. There are a large number of idioms, and they are used very commonly in all languages. The us has broken off diplomatic relations with the regime. The irish vernacular idioms and phrases of ireland. For example, the understudy finally got a break when the star became ill, or.
The first is that the book refers to the bible and that the first meaning of the phrase was i swear it to be true, said with one hand on the bible as security of honesty. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can used between break and off. Those bricks in the yard must have broken off the chimney. She returned the ring and they broke off their engagement. If you break the back of a task or problem, you do the most difficult part of what is. Break in definition of break in by the free dictionary. I knew she was getting ready to break it off, but tom didnt. The antenna just broke off in my hand as i was trying to extend it from the radio. I break some small pieces off, and sprinkle them onto the surface of the water, and wait, tensed with excitement. Normally, the state of off the break happens after a 10 second call. These common idiom examples can illuminate this form of figurative language. Im so sad to hear that mara broke off with johni thought those two would be together forever.
The robber had tied me to a chair, but i was able to break away and flee the house. The idiom does not mean cats and dogs are falling from the sky, but rather that its raining very hard. Example sentences this internship at the law firm this summer will make or break my opportunity to join a big firm after graduation. This idiom doesnt actually mean that you should stick your fingers in your mouth and grab a hold of your tongue. Break off something meaning in the cambridge english. There are two widely accepted theories for the origin of this phrase.
It also used in the past tense to describe someone or. To break down to fail his health broke down through over work. To cause to separate into pieces suddenly or violently. Explanation for the break off phrase in the dictionary. To fail to conform to a prevailing or expected pattern or order. I have an exam tomorrow, i need to hit the books tonight. An idiom s symbolic sense is quite different from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.
Courtesy of the national maritime museum, greenwich, eng. To break the back of sth definition and meaning collins. This phrase was first used the in bible for the account of paul and silas when they prayed and there was a big quake and the prison doors broke open. An expression roughly equivalent to the quite common formula jesus, mary, joseph and all the holy martyrs. Remove old flowers on the plants by carefully breaking them off. Example sentences these days you can easily buy a smart phone without breaking the bank. I know you have to finish this paper, but can you break for a bit and talk to your grandparents. Whatever test score i get on the sat will make or break my chances for getting into a good college. Learn the meaning of this idiom and get examples of use in this video from idioms. Talks between the two companies broke off over disagreements about the merger. In japanese, my cheeks are falling off means the food is really delicious. Break off definition of break off by merriamwebster.
Ill turn a blind eye once, but next time youll be in trouble. Break off something definition in the cambridge english. As the story continues to break, we will bring you the latest. When you encourage someone to break a leg, you might also want to. Break the mold, in addition to the meaning you stated, is more commonly used to describe uniqueness. People hold their tongues when theyre in situations where. Break the ice meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. Merriamwebster registers only break down, in, off as idioms. Everyday idioms youre getting wrong readers digest. When removing the pepper from the vine, cutting or breaking it off work equally as well. Knacker usually, this word describes a member of the traveling community. I have an exam tomorrow, i need to hit the books tonight the exams are only a month away, if you dont hit the books now, youll surely fail. Break off phrasal verb definition and synonyms macmillan.
Idiom definition 1 to break in to enter a place forcibly or illegally idiom definition 2 to interrupt a conversation or discussion idiom definition 3 to loosen or soften something with use idiom definition 4 to train or domesticate an animal idiom definition 5 to accustom someone to a new task. Hes a bad boy, so shes not going to break off with him anytime soon, naturally. The violent storms shook the very foundation of the house and broke open the doors the heavy rainfall caused the seeds of the flower to break open sam broke open the trap doors to free the wounded men when there is a fire and you are trapped, you have to. Break off definition and meaning collins english dictionary. Mar 21, 2019 what is the meaning of the english idiom give me a break. The state in which a game of tournament paintball is started.
Get off the ground meaning in the cambridge english. Break off definition of break off by the free dictionary. Definition of go by the book in the idioms dictionary. Cambridge registers only break away off, up as idioms. The company has decided to break off negotiations about a takeover. Categorized as formulaic language, an idioms figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. To cause something to physically separate from something else. Often used in the context of television detective shows, a red herring refers to something designed to distract or throw someone off a trail. Definition and synonyms of break off from the online english dictionary from macmillan education. Definition of break sth off from the cambridge business english dictionary cambridge university press. Break off something meaning in the cambridge english dictionary.
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