# break the cycle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/break-the-cycle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act so as to end a repeating pattern of harmful or otherwise negative behavior.

## Examples

- He wants to break the cycle of bad habits.
- By choosing a different career path than his parents, he hoped to break the cycle of poverty in his family.
- The new policy aims to break the cycle of systemic inequality by providing equal educational opportunities to students from all neighborhoods.

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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.