1 B2 neutral
to move through or past something that is stopping you
"Rescue teams broke through the wall to reach the trapped workers."
inseparable
break through
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
to force your way through a barrier or make a major advance
In plain English
to get through something blocking you or finally succeed
What does "break through" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to achieve an important success after difficulty or delay
"The young singer finally broke through with her second album."
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic neutral
if light, emotion, or understanding breaks through, it becomes visible or noticeable despite being held back
"A smile broke through her tired expression."
inseparable
Usage tip
Common in literal, emotional, scientific, and career contexts.
Words that pair with "break through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
barrier defenses clouds research stalemate market
How to conjugate "break through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
break through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks through
he/she/it
Past simple
broke through
yesterday
Past participle
broken through
have + pp
-ing form
breaking through
continuous
Hear "break through" in the wild
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Other ways to say "break through"
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