break on

C1 formal inseparable intransitive

In simple words

to start happening over someone or to hit against something

Literal meaning: The image is of something beginning or striking against a surface.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

rare

if day or morning breaks on a place, it begins there

"A cold gray dawn broke on the empty harbor."

Grammar: inseparable

2 C1 formal

rare

if waves or force break on something, they strike against it

"The surf broke on the black rocks below."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Uncommon and often literary. Most frequent with nouns like 'day', 'morning', or 'waves'.

day morning dawn shore coast rocks

Base

break on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

breaks on

he/she/it

Past simple

broke on

yesterday

Past participle

broken on

have + pp

-ing form

breaking on

continuous

Try:

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begin dawn on strike wash against

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