break the fourth wall
To apparently communicate with reality directly, such as when characters of literature comment on the existence of a reader.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The actor breaks the fourth wall to talk to the audience.”
“The movie becomes much funnier when the main character breaks the fourth wall and makes jokes about the plot.”
“By choosing to break the fourth wall, the playwright forces the audience to acknowledge their own presence as observers within the theatrical experience.”
break + the + fourth wall
- 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
back to the wall
A very difficult situation with no beneficial options available for action.
- 04
balls to the wall
With maximum effort or commitment.
- 05
bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
- 06
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 07
blue wall of silence
Strict secretiveness maintained by the members of a police force with respect to information which might be contrary to their interests, especially information concerning questionable police actions.
- 08
bounce off the walls
To be overly active relative to the enclosed space in which one is.
Last updated August 10, 2026