break one's lance
To engage in an honorable fight.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is ready to break his lance for his beliefs.”
“I break my lance for anyone who treats workers fairly.”
“She breaks her lance for the truth every time she speaks.”
“The lawyer decided to break his lance for the innocent client, despite the overwhelming evidence against them.”
“The young journalist chose to break her lance against the corrupt local government to protect the town's water supply.”
“Even though the board of directors disagreed, the manager decided to break his lance for the new environmental policy.”
“The teacher was willing to break her lance to ensure that every student received the extra help they needed.”
“Throughout his long career, the dedicated activist would break his lance for any cause he deemed worthy of his defense, regardless of the personal cost.”
Derived from the mediaeval sport of jousting, in which a rider was said to break his lance when it shattered against the shield or armour of an opponent. The phrase entered the language as a figurative representation of engaging in a contest or entered into an argument.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026