Meaning & use
broaching a topic
Last updated
“broaching a topic” is a form of “broach”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
phraseidiom
The act of introducing a subject, especially one that is sensitive or difficult, into a conversation.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; the verb 'broach' takes an object, e.g. 'broach the topic'.
Patterns
- broach a topic with someone
- broach the subject of something
- broach something to someone
She was nervous about broaching a topic that had caused arguments before.
Broaching a topic like money can be awkward at family dinners.
He kept putting off broaching a topic that everyone knew needed to be discussed.
Common combinations
- broach the subject
- I didn't know how to broach the subject of his retirement.
- broach a topic with someone
- She decided to broach the topic with her manager first.
- broach the idea
- He broached the idea of moving abroad during dinner.
- broach a sensitive issue
- The counselor was skilled at broaching sensitive issues gently.
Synonyms and how they differ
- raise
- More general; you can raise any subject, while 'broach' suggests the subject is delicate or potentially uncomfortable.
- introduce
- Neutral and often used for new topics; 'broach' is better when you expect resistance or awkwardness.
- bring up
- Informal and common in speech; 'broach' is slightly more formal and implies careful timing.
Word family
- broach verb
- To mention a subject for the first time, especially a difficult one.
Commonly confused: broaching a topic or brooch?
broaching a topic vs brooch
A brooch is a piece of jewelry pinned to clothing; 'broach' is a verb meaning to raise a topic.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'broach' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The verb 'broach' takes a direct object: broach the topic. Option 2 has wrong word order, and options 3 and 4 add unnecessary prepositions.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “broaching a topic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.