break the mould

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   to do something in a completely new way that is different from what is usual or expected.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the object is usually the mould, but it can also be used without an object in some contexts.

   Patterns

   • break the mould
   • break the mould of something
   • break the mould by doing something

   The company broke the mould by offering unlimited paid leave to all employees.

   Her debut novel broke the mould of traditional detective fiction.

   He broke the mould when he became the first person in his family to go to university.

2. 2phraseidiom

   to change a situation so that old rules or limits no longer apply, often leading to new possibilities.

   Grammar: Often used with 'of' to specify what is being changed, e.g., 'break the mould of tradition'.

   Patterns

   • break the mould of something
   • break the mould for something

   The new law broke the mould of outdated regulations that had been in place for decades.

   Their approach to design broke the mould for what was considered acceptable in the industry.

Common combinations

break the mould of tradition

The artist broke the mould of tradition by using recycled materials.

break the mould completely

The new CEO broke the mould completely with her unconventional management style.

try to break the mould

Many young entrepreneurs try to break the mould and start their own businesses.

break the mould in

She broke the mould in the tech industry by founding a company that prioritizes social impact.

Synonyms and how they differ

pioneer

Use 'pioneer' when someone is the first to develop a new method or area; 'break the mould' emphasizes breaking away from established patterns.

innovate

Use 'innovate' to focus on introducing new ideas or methods; 'break the mould' is more about departing from the usual way.

revolutionize

Use 'revolutionize' for a complete or dramatic change; 'break the mould' suggests breaking free from a fixed pattern.

Opposites

Word family

mould noun

A hollow container used to give shape to liquid or soft material; also a pattern or template.

mould verb

To shape something into a particular form.

mouldy adjective

Covered with mould; often used figuratively to mean outdated or stale.

Commonly confused: break the mould or mold?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “break the mould”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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