# break the Sabbath

idiom

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

## Meaning

To violate (the holiness or sanctity of) the Sabbath (by not keeping it holy).

## Examples

- Some people believe that working on Sunday breaks the Sabbath.
- In this strict community, you risk being shunned if you break the Sabbath by doing chores.
- The elders debated whether performing emergency medical services during the holy day could be considered a valid reason to break the Sabbath.

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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.