English Reference
Idiom idiom

broken home


A home in which the parents have separated or divorced.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He grew up in a broken home.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher noticed the student was struggling and wondered if he came from a broken home.

COMPLEX

While society often assumes that children from a broken home will struggle, many grow up to be resilient and successful adults.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bedlam breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  3. 03

    big break

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

  4. 04

    break a leg

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

  5. 05

    break a sweat

    To put effort into something.

  6. 06

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  7. 07

    break down

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

  8. 08

    break even

    To neither gain nor lose money.

Last updated August 10, 2026