# tough break

idiom

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

## Meaning

A situation resulting in misfortune or hardship; an instance of bad luck.

## Examples

- Losing your keys is a tough break.
- He missed his flight by only two minutes, which was a tough break for his vacation plans.
- After training for months, the athlete suffered a sudden injury, a truly tough break that ended her hopes for the championship.

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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.