to tell someone bad or difficult news, usually gently
to tell someone something upsetting in a careful way
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
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
Literally, it suggests breaking news into someone, but the real meaning is to deliver it tactfully.
to tell someone something upsetting in a careful way
Usually appears in the pattern 'break it to someone that...'. Often used for bad news.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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