break through

British  

verb

1. (intr) to penetrate

2. (intr, adverb) to achieve success, make a discovery, etc, esp after lengthy efforts

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noun

1. a significant development or discovery, esp in science

2. the penetration of an enemy's defensive position or line in depth and strength

break through Idioms  

1. Penetrate a barrier or obstruction, as in They broke through the wall to get into the vault, or It won't be long before we break through the code and map all human genes. Used literally for going through a physical barrier since about 1400, this phrase began to be used figuratively in the late 1500s.

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Example Sentences

Goodrich called it “the clearest statement yet from inside Huawei that they have accepted they can’t break through the EUV barrier on any meaningful near-term horizon.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Peacock is aiming to crack the limited series categories with hit mystery “All Her Fault” starring Sarah Snook, and is also hoping ongoing series including “Ted,” “Ponies” and “The Paper” will break through.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Whatever the case, the fact that he continues to struggle to break through while many far lesser talents succeed says something about both the industry and our culture at large.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

After initially trying to negotiate with the settlers, Mohammed rushed up to the grave just as they were about to break through a slab which was all that remained between them and his father's remains.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

You shift, and the afternoons rays break through from behind your head.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin

Related Words

• arrive
• come
• come out
• crop up
• develop
• emerge
• materialize
• occur
• pop up
• present
• show
• show up
• surface
• turn out
• turn up