Give somebody a break
phrase
Stop putting pressure on someone, to allow them to relax or recover.
She's been working all day, give her a break.
Often appears as...
- can you give me a break?
- please give him a break
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To allow someone to avoid something unpleasant or difficult.
The boss gave him a break from his regular duties so he could recover.
Often appears as...
- the teacher gave us a break from homework
- he gave them a break from the difficult task
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To give someone a chance or opportunity.
I just need someone to give me a break and let me prove myself.
Often appears as...
- she just wants someone to give her a break
- he gave me a break when no one else would
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
phrase
Stop putting pressure on someone, to allow them to relax or recover.
She's been working all day, give her a break.
Often appears as...
- can you give me a break?
- please give him a break
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To allow someone to avoid something unpleasant or difficult.
The boss gave him a break from his regular duties so he could recover.
Often appears as...
- the teacher gave us a break from homework
- he gave them a break from the difficult task
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To give someone a chance or opportunity.
I just need someone to give me a break and let me prove myself.
Often appears as...
- she just wants someone to give her a break
- he gave me a break when no one else would
Usage tips
Approving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Relief
Used to request leniency for someone who's overwhelmed or overworked.
He's overworked, can't you give him a break?
Pro Tip 2/3Expression of Frustration
It can express irritation when someone feels unfairly criticized or nagged.
Give me a break, I'm doing my best!
Pro Tip 3/3Pleading Tone
Often carries a pleading or hopeful tone, asking for a pause or ease in pressure.
Please give her a break, she's really stressed.
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Relief
Used to request leniency for someone who's overwhelmed or overworked.
He's overworked, can't you give him a break?
Pro Tip 2/3Expression of Frustration
It can express irritation when someone feels unfairly criticized or nagged.
Give me a break, I'm doing my best!
Pro Tip 3/3Pleading Tone
Often carries a pleading or hopeful tone, asking for a pause or ease in pressure.
Please give her a break, she's really stressed.
Pro Tip 1/3Stress Relief
Used to request leniency for someone who's overwhelmed or overworked.
He's overworked, can't you give him a break?
Pro Tip 2/3Expression of Frustration
It can express irritation when someone feels unfairly criticized or nagged.
Give me a break, I'm doing my best!
Pro Tip 3/3Pleading Tone
Often carries a pleading or hopeful tone, asking for a pause or ease in pressure.
Please give her a break, she's really stressed.
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