break cover

Idioms  

1. Suddenly emerge from a hiding place, as in The shots distracted our pursuers long enough so that we could break cover and make a run for it. This term originally alluded to animals being hunted, a frequent usage in the 16th century. Now that hunting is a less common pursuit, it is used for human beings.

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Example Sentences

After we saw this prototype 500Hz gaming monitor break cover in early 2022, I didn’t think that laptop manufacturers would be quick to bring a laptop that fast to market.

From The Verge • Jul. 19, 2022

But a midranking officer ignored part of the order and allowed members of the unit to break cover behind a barricade.

From New York Times • Jan. 29, 2022

Sanchez said he had at least two photographers collecting tips and following Messi and PSG for the first shots of the family when they finally break cover from their hotel.

From Reuters • Sep. 15, 2021

Control everything, withhold information, build up anticipation, never break cover, keep the message simple, and treat your product's arrival as if it is a major event.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2016

By pulling myself a little higher I could get a better view, not of the stack, but of the stretch of roof beyond it: nobody could break cover in that direction and escape me.

From The Adventures of Harry Revel by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir