Step into the breach
phrase
To do someone else's job when they are not able to do it.
When our team leader fell sick, Sarah had to step into the breach and lead the team.
Often appears as...
- step into the breach for
- fill the breach
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To do someone else's job when they are not able to do it.
When our team leader fell sick, Sarah had to step into the breach and lead the team.
Often appears as...
- step into the breach for
- fill the breach
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase has a figurative meaning; it's not about a physical step but a role or responsibility taken.
With the chef absent, the sous chef had to step into the breach and manage the kitchen.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Action
This phrase often implies the action is a temporary solution, not a permanent role change.
During the blackout, the security guard stepped into the breach and directed traffic.
Pro Tip 3/3Emergency Context
It is mostly used in an emergency or when someone is unexpectedly unavailable.
When the goalkeeper got injured, a field player had to step into the breach.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase has a figurative meaning; it's not about a physical step but a role or responsibility taken.
With the chef absent, the sous chef had to step into the breach and manage the kitchen.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Action
This phrase often implies the action is a temporary solution, not a permanent role change.
During the blackout, the security guard stepped into the breach and directed traffic.
Pro Tip 3/3Emergency Context
It is mostly used in an emergency or when someone is unexpectedly unavailable.
When the goalkeeper got injured, a field player had to step into the breach.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase has a figurative meaning; it's not about a physical step but a role or responsibility taken.
With the chef absent, the sous chef had to step into the breach and manage the kitchen.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Action
This phrase often implies the action is a temporary solution, not a permanent role change.
During the blackout, the security guard stepped into the breach and directed traffic.
Pro Tip 3/3Emergency Context
It is mostly used in an emergency or when someone is unexpectedly unavailable.
When the goalkeeper got injured, a field player had to step into the breach.
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