break the record
Idioms-
Surpass a previous achievement, as in He was determined to break the record for the high jump . This usage is applied primarily to sports of various kinds. [1880s]
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Move very fast, as in The lecture was so dull that we broke the record getting to the door : [Second half of 1900s]
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.
A sudden power surge is super-charging college softball and at least two other hitters, both at UCLA, could realistically break the record alongside her.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
If he claims three assists in the final five games of the season, he will break the record of 20 for the most in any single Premier League campaign.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
This home is poised to break the record because of its privacy, convenience and turnkey condition, Bowen said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Sales are expected to range between 92 trillion and 94 trillion won, which would also break the record of 86 trillion won set in the third quarter of 2025.
From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026
Everyone hoped attendance would continue rising and that the number of people drawn to the closing ceremony of October 30 would break the record set on Chicago Day.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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.
