break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She refused to break down and admit she was wrong.”
“After hours of negotiation, the company finally broke down and agreed to raise workers' pay.”
“Surrounded by evidence he could not refute, the proud politician at last broke down and confessed to the scandal he had denied for months.”
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all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 04
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 05
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 06
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 07
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
- 08
break gates
To enter an Oxford or Cambridge college enclosure after the hour to which a student has been restricted.
Last updated August 10, 2026