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Synonyms

take a break

Idioms  

  1. Interrupt one's activity briefly, as in We've been working for two hours; let's take a break. Also see take five.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After running around the festival for hours, it was nice to be able to take a break from the heat in stylish, exclusive areas like the Red Bull Mirage and Soho House’s hideout.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“If there’s a crazy day, I’ll be at my computer for 12 hours and take a break and get some food. But I’m sure that that sounds crazy to some people.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

During a hike, if you need to take a break on a log or a rock, make sure to inspect it before taking a seat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Many chart watchers view any RSI reading below 30 as indicating an “oversold” condition, which suggests a bounce could be coming as bears take a break from selling to catch their breath.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

“But once in a while it’s good to take a break from work. Let’s do something a wee bit different for a change. I’m thinking you’ll be good at this—you’re a tall lad.”

From "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.