# clean break

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/clean-break
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.

## Examples

- She decided to make a clean break from her old job.
- After years of arguing, they decided that moving to different cities was the only way to make a clean break.
- He realized that lingering in the past would only hinder his growth, so he chose to make a clean break and start his life anew in a foreign country.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.