the breaks

Idioms  

1. Pieces of luck, turns of events, as in No matter how well he pitches, the team always makes fielding errors—that's the breaks, I guess, or There's not much you can do if the breaks are against you. In the singular and modified forms, this term becomes. In the plural form, only the context determines its favorable or unfavorable meaning. [Slang; early 1900s] Also see tough break.

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Example Sentences

She cheers along with the parents and hands out orange slices during the breaks between quarters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Before that, the length of the breaks in between working was purely based on vibes!

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

“During the breaks, we’re never talking about the rule of law. We’re talking about logistics.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025

Her classical training led her into teaching, but at night she'd accompany opera singers on piano, singing pop standards during the breaks.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2025

She was all for teaching, but her method was to teach during practice and during the breaks in play.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John