B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[break one's neck] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To do all you possibly can; try your hardest. — Usually used with a limiting adverb or negative.
John nearly broke his neck trying not to be late to school.
* /Mother asked Mary to go to the store when she was […]
[break one's word] {v. phr.}
To renege on a promise.
When Jake broke his word that he would marry Sarah, she became very depressed.
[break out] {v.}
1. To begin showing a rash or other skin disorder. — Often used with "with".
He broke out with scarlet fever.
2. To speak or act suddenly and violently.
He broke out laughing.
She broke out, "That is not so!"
3. To […]
[break the ice] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To conquer the first difficulties in starting a conversation, getting a party going, or making an acquaintance.
* /To break the ice Ted spoke of his interest in mountain climbing, and they soon had a […]
[break the record] {v. phr.}
To set or to establish a new mark or record.
Algernon broke the record in both the pentathlon and the decathlon and took home two gold medals from the Olympics.
[break through] {v.}
To be successful after overcoming a difficulty or bar to success.
Dr. Salk failed many times but he finally broke through to find a successful polio vaccine.
* /Jim studied very hard this semester in college, and he finally […]
[breakthrough] {n.}
A point of sudden success after a long process of experimentation, trial and error.
The U.S. Space Program experienced a major breakthrough when Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon in June of 1969.
[break up] {v. phr.}
To end a romantic relationship, a marriage, or a business partnership.
Tom and Jane broke up because Tom played so much golf that he had no time for her.
[break up] {v.}
1. To break into pieces.
The workmen broke up the pavement to dig up the pipes under it.
River ice breaks up in the spring.
2. {informal}
To lose or destroy spirit or self-control. — Usually used in the passive.
* /Mrs. […]
[break-up] {n.}
The end of a relationship, personal or commercial.
The break-up finally occurred when Smith and Brown decided to sue each other for embezzlement.