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break ground

Slang Dictionary

break definition


  1. n.
    a chance; an opportunity. : Come on, give me a break!
  2. n.
    an escape from prison; a prison breakout. : I hear there's a break planned for tonight.
  3. in.
    [for a news story] to unfold rapidly. (Journalism.) : As the story continues to break, we will bring you the latest.
  4. n.
    a solo played when the rest of the band stops. : This is your break, Andy. Let's hear it, man.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

break ground

Also, break new ground.

  1. Begin digging into the earth for new construction of some kind. For example, When will they break ground for the town hall? This usage alludes to breaking up the land with a plow. [Early 1700s]

  2. Take the first steps for a new venture; advance beyond previous achievements. For example, Jeff is breaking new ground in intellectual property law. [Early 1700s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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