Break step
verb
To stop walking or marching in synchronization with a group.
The parade was perfect until one of the soldiers broke step
Often appears as...
- break step during the parade
- one soldier broke step
verb
To not follow expectations or rules set by a group, to act independently or differently.
He chose to break step with his peers and pursue a career in arts rather than engineering
Often appears as...
- break step with tradition
- break step from the crowd
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To stop walking or marching in synchronization with a group.
The parade was perfect until one of the soldiers broke step
Often appears as...
- break step during the parade
- one soldier broke step
verb
To not follow expectations or rules set by a group, to act independently or differently.
He chose to break step with his peers and pursue a career in arts rather than engineering
Often appears as...
- break step with tradition
- break step from the crowd
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
Originally used in military contexts where precise movements and uniformity are important.
The sergeant was displeased when the recruit broke step during the drill.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphor for Unity
Often serves as a metaphor for staying in line with others' actions or thoughts in any group.
At the meeting, everyone was in agreement until Mariah broke step and voiced her disagreement.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Disruption
Use when the action of breaking step is visibly noticeable within a group or process.
The dance routine went smoothly until one dancer broke step, disrupting the flow.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
Originally used in military contexts where precise movements and uniformity are important.
The sergeant was displeased when the recruit broke step during the drill.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphor for Unity
Often serves as a metaphor for staying in line with others' actions or thoughts in any group.
At the meeting, everyone was in agreement until Mariah broke step and voiced her disagreement.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Disruption
Use when the action of breaking step is visibly noticeable within a group or process.
The dance routine went smoothly until one dancer broke step, disrupting the flow.
Pro Tip 1/3Military Origin
Originally used in military contexts where precise movements and uniformity are important.
The sergeant was displeased when the recruit broke step during the drill.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphor for Unity
Often serves as a metaphor for staying in line with others' actions or thoughts in any group.
At the meeting, everyone was in agreement until Mariah broke step and voiced her disagreement.
Pro Tip 3/3Visible Disruption
Use when the action of breaking step is visibly noticeable within a group or process.
The dance routine went smoothly until one dancer broke step, disrupting the flow.
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