English Reference
Idiom idiom

broken record


Someone or something that constantly repeats itself, causing annoyance.

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


SIMPLE

Please stop complaining, you sound like a broken record.

CONTEXTUAL

My father keeps reminding me to save money, and he sounds like a broken record every time we talk.

COMPLEX

Despite the manager's insistence that the project was on track, the team felt he was merely a broken record, repeating empty promises while the deadline loomed closer.


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