# break one's lance

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/break-ones-lance
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To engage in an honorable fight.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.