English Reference

Phrasal verb

break through

Definitions

01to force a way through

B2

phr.v. to force your way through a physical barrier or a line of people.

phr.v. to force or make a way through a physical barrier, such as a wall, fence, or defensive line.

“The crowd managed to break through the police barriers to reach the stage.”

“The infantry finally managed to break through the enemy's defensive lines after three days of heavy shelling.”

Usage

Can be used transitively with an object or intransitively.

02to achieve success

B2

phr.v. to become successful or famous after working hard for a long time.

phr.v. to achieve success or recognition in a particular field, especially after a period of struggle or obscurity.

“The young actress is hoping to break through in Hollywood this year.”

“Despite years of performing in small clubs, the band didn't break through to a mainstream audience until their third album.”

Usage

Often used intransitively or with the preposition 'to'.

Synonyms

Antonyms

03to overcome a problem

B2

phr.v. to find a way to deal with a difficult problem or a mental barrier.

phr.v. to overcome a psychological, social, or technical obstacle that has been preventing progress.

“Scientists are working hard to break through the difficulties of curing the disease.”

“The therapist helped him break through his emotional walls and finally talk about his past.”

Synonyms

overcomesurmount

04light appearing

B2

phr.v. when the sun or moon appears from behind clouds.

phr.v. to appear or become visible by passing through a covering, typically used for light or celestial bodies.

“The sun started to break through the clouds just as we reached the top.”

“A few rays of moonlight managed to break through the thick canopy of the forest, lighting the path ahead.”

Usage

Usually takes 'through' followed by the obstruction (e.g., clouds, mist).

Synonyms

Teaching tip

distinguish between the phrasal verb and the noun 'breakthrough'; the verb often takes an object when physical, but can be intransitive when describing a discovery.

Phrasal verb

Particles

through

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

break + through + (object)

Synonyms

Antonyms

be stoppedfailretreat

Grammar

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Very common
Updated

Scan code

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