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

See Examples For:

the breaks

Another supporter said they were a fan of the breaks - regardless of whether they help teams tactically or not.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

Most of the breaks were repaired within 24 hours, and the neurons continued functioning normally.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 21, 2026

The main source of criticism for their addition is that they are viewed as additional financial revenue, with broadcasters utilising the breaks to show more adverts.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

Some have described the breaks as commercial interruptions to appease US broadcasters.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

But during the breaks for recreation periods and the midday meal, the other new Twelves were abuzz with descriptions of their first day of training.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry