ENGLISH
REFERENCE

break it to

idiom
Meaning

To deliver unfortunate or upsetting news to someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

I have to break it to my boss that I am quitting.

CONTEXTUAL

She was nervous to break it to her parents that she had failed the exam.

COMPLEX

The doctor sat down with the family, struggling to find the right words to break it to them that the treatment had not worked.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bedlam breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  3. 03

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  4. 04

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  5. 05

    break a sweat

    To put effort into something.

  6. 06

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  7. 07

    break down

    To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

  8. 08

    break even

    To neither gain nor lose money.

Last updated April 17, 2026