B

[break even]  {v. phr.},  {informal} (stress on "even")

To end a series of gains and losses having the same amount you started with; have expenses equal to profits; have equal gain and loss.

* /The storekeeper made many sales, but his expenses were so  […]

[break ground]  {v. phr.}

To begin a construction project by digging for the foundation; especially, to turn the formal first spadeful of dirt.

City officials and industrial leaders were there as the company broke ground for its new building.

See:  […]

[break in]  {v.} (stress on "in")

1a. To break from outside.

The firemen broke in the door of the burning house.

1b. To enter by force or unlawfully.

Thieves broke in while the family was away.

2. To enter suddenly or interrupt.

* /A  […]

[break into]  {v.}

1. To force an entrance into; make a rough or unlawful entrance into.

Thieves broke into the store at night.

2.  {informal}

To succeed in beginning (a career, business, or a social life)

He broke into television as an actor.  […]

[break new ground]  {v. phr.}

1. To start a new activity previously neglected by others; do pioneering work.

Albert Einstein broke new ground with his theory of relativity.

2. To begin something never done before.

* /The school broke new  […]

[break off]  {v.}

1. To stop suddenly.

The speaker was interrupted so often that he broke off and sat down.

When Bob came in, Jean broke off her talk with Linda and talked to Bob.

2.  {informal}

To end a friendship or love.

* /I hear that Tom  […]

[break one's balls]  {v. phr.},  {slang},  {vulgar},  {avoidable}

To do something with maximum effort; to do something very difficult or taxing

I've been breaking my balls to buy you this new color TV set and you aren't the least bit appreciative!

 […]

[break one's heart]  {v. phr.}

To discourage greatly; make very sad or hopeless.

His son's disgrace broke his heart.

[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.