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

He had over $40,000 in debt and, despite making monthly payments on nearly maxed-out credit cards, he barely covered the monthly interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

American media, on the other hand, has barely covered the Gibney story at all.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2025

De La Cruz said she contacted the company and got an offer that barely covered what they paid for the home, presumably because the developer doesn’t need their property for the project.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

His father’s steel factory salary barely covered the family’s costs.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 19, 2023

His socks, which were probably bright white when they were new, were grayish and barely covered his ankles.

From "Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson