break the wheel
To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They want to break the wheel of unfair rules.”
“She works hard to break the wheel of poverty in her family.”
“The activists organized a protest to break the wheel of corruption that has controlled the city for decades.”
“The new manager promised to break the wheel of toxic office politics by rewarding honesty instead of secret competition among the staff.”
“By challenging the long-standing traditions that kept the lower classes in poverty, the young leader sought to break the wheel of systemic inequality once and for all.”
first recorded 21st c.
The phrase was prompted by the 2015 television episode Hardhome, part of the series Game of Thrones. In this episode, the character Daenerys Targaryen discusses her intention to reclaim the Iron Throne and declares her resolve to break the wheel of the existing political order. Though the concept of disrupting a cycle of power is ancient, this specific phrasing entered the general lexicon through this piece of popular fiction.
- 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
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 04
big wheel
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 05
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 06
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 07
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 08
break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
Last updated August 10, 2026