break it to
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
to tell someone something upsetting in a careful way
Literal meaning: Literally, it suggests breaking news into someone, but the real meaning is to deliver it tactfully.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to tell someone bad, shocking, or disappointing news
"Who is going to break it to Maya that the trip is canceled?"
"I hate to break it to you, but..."
— widely quoted fixed expression in English; no single reliable source attached
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Usually appears in the pattern 'break it to someone that...'. Often used for bad news.
Commonly used with
the news the truth to him to her gently carefully
Forms
Base
break it to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks it to
he/she/it
Past simple
broke it to
yesterday
Past participle
broken it to
have + pp
-ing form
breaking it to
continuous
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Synonyms
tell gently inform give the news to let someone know soften the blow
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