make a break

Meanings

1. 1phraseintransitive

   to suddenly run or try to escape, especially from a place or situation

   Grammar: Often followed by 'for' and a place: make a break for the door.

   Patterns

   • make a break for something
   • make a break from something

   The prisoner made a break for the fence when the guard looked away.

   When the meeting got boring, she made a break for the exit.

   The dog made a break from the yard through the open gate.

2. 2phraseintransitive

   to end a relationship or connection with someone or something

   Grammar: Often followed by 'from' or 'with': make a break from the past.

   Patterns

   • make a break from someone
   • make a break with something

   He decided to make a break from his old friends and start fresh.

   She made a break with tradition and wore a red dress to the wedding.

Common combinations

make a break for

The thief made a break for the window.

make a break from

It's time to make a break from this toxic environment.

make a break with

The company made a break with its past policies.

Synonyms and how they differ

escape

Escape is a general verb meaning to get free; make a break is more specific and often implies a sudden, quick action.

run away

Run away means to leave home or a place, often permanently; make a break usually suggests a quick attempt to get away from a situation.

Commonly confused: make a break or take a break?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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