broken reed
Something or someone very fragile or unreliable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not trust him, he is a broken reed.”
“I hoped my old car would get me to the city, but it proved a broken reed and stopped halfway.”
“The politician realized that his former allies were a broken reed when they refused to support his new policy.”
first recorded 17th c.
From broken + reed (with reference to the quotation in 1611, see below).
- 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
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 05
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 06
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 07
break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
- 08
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
Last updated August 10, 2026