Phrasal verb
break through
Definitions
01to force a way through
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
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'.
Antonyms
03to overcome a problem
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
04light appearing
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).
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
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/break-through