break the news
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He also had to break the news that the lovely “SNL” tradition of bringing on moms of cast members wouldn’t be happening this year due to Spirit Airlines shutting down.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 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
He experimented with how best to break the news of his situation - sometimes he would give the heads-up before meeting, other times he would tell them in person.
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2025
Theo does consider marriage and weighs when to break the news to his parents.
From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman
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.
