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Region: General | Usage example: She had to break the news that the flight was canceled.

Break the news

Meaning

Deliver important or unsettling information.

Usage

Used when reporting unusual or dreaded updates.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Journalists historically 'broke' stories to the public.

Newspaper culture of the early 1900s used the phrase often.

Related Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Break the bank

Spend all of one's money or exceed budget.

Break even

Neither lose nor profit; income equals expenses.

More Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.