break gates
To enter an Oxford or Cambridge college enclosure after the hour to which a student has been restricted.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He tried to break gates after the clock struck midnight.”
“The students risked a heavy fine when they decided to break gates to return to their rooms late at night.”
“Despite the strict disciplinary consequences awaiting any student caught, he foolishly attempted to break gates rather than face the locked doors of the college.”
- 01
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 down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
- 08
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
Last updated August 10, 2026