break the news
IdiomsExample Sentences
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However, the scientific paper detailing the discovery was published sooner than expected, meaning he had to break the news to him during a video call instead.
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026
Another issue is just how “out” to be, at work and elsewhere, about one’s preferences; the Davises worry about how and when to break the news to their teenage son.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026
When Neil died in 1965, it fell to Kai to phone their parents, who were in Italy, and break the news.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025
Balde said he was "devastated" and had to break the news to his wife.
From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025
“Well, then! Let’s break the news to Lanning, Mike.”
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
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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.