them's the breaks
That is the way things happen; that's life.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I lost the game, but them's the breaks.”
“The train was cancelled and I missed my meeting, but I suppose them's the breaks.”
“Although he had worked tirelessly for the promotion, the position went to another candidate, and he simply accepted that them's the breaks.”
From the noun *break*, used in the sense of a stroke of luck or a particular turn of fortune. The expression is related to parallel constructions such as *tough break* and *lucky break*, appearing in American English to acknowledge the immutable nature of an unfavourable outcome.
- 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