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Region: US | Usage example: After months of rejections, she finally caught a break.

Catch a break

Meaning

Experience some good luck.

Usage

Used when fortune turns corner positively.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sports metaphor for lucky breaks in games.

American slang from the 1950s.

Related Idioms

Catch some Zs

Get a little sleep.

Break a sweat

Exert a small amount of effort.

Break the ice

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

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.