B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[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 […]
[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 with] {v.}
To separate yourself from; end membership in; stop friendly association with.
He broke with the Democratic party on the question of civil rights.
He had broken with some friends who had changed in their ideas.
[break-even] {n.}
The point of equilibrium in a business venture when one has made as much money as one had invested, but not more — that would be "profit."
"We've reached the break-even point at long last!" — Max exclaimed with joy.
[break-in] {n.}
(stress on "break") A robbery; a burglary.
We lost our jewelry during a break-in.
[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.