ENGLISH
REFERENCE

break the story

idiom
Meaning

To be the first to address or publicize an issue, often a news story.


Examples
SIMPLE

The local newspaper was the first to break the story.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter worked all night to verify the facts before her network could break the story to the public.

COMPLEX

Although the government attempted to suppress the scandal, an investigative journalist managed to break the story, triggering a massive public outcry.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Banbury story of a cock and a bull

    A roundabout, nonsensical story.

  2. 02

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  3. 03

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  4. 04

    break a sweat

    To put effort into something.

  5. 05

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  6. 06

    break down

    To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

  7. 07

    break even

    To neither gain nor lose money.

  8. 08

    break gates

    To enter an Oxford or Cambridge college enclosure after the hour to which a student has been restricted.

© 2026 English Reference