break the news
يخبر بالأخبار
शाब्दिक अर्थ: To shatter or divide the new information
Use this phrase when you are the first person to deliver significant, life-altering information to someone.
15 सेकंड में
- To reveal significant or surprising information to someone for the first time.
- Commonly used for both very happy and very sad life events.
- Focuses on the act of the messenger delivering the message.
मतलब
This phrase means being the person to tell someone important or surprising news, especially when it is difficult or life-changing. It is about revealing information that the other person doesn't know yet.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Telling parents about a new job
I can't wait to break the news to my parents that I got the job!
لا أطيق الانتظار لأخبر والديّ بخبر حصولي على الوظيفة!
A manager announcing a company closure
The CEO had to break the news to the staff that the branch was closing.
اضطر المدير التنفيذي لإبلاغ الموظفين بخبر إغلاق الفرع.
Texting a friend about a secret
Are you going to break the news to him, or should I?
هل ستخبره أنت بالخبر، أم يجب عليّ أنا؟
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase dates back to the 16th century, where 'break' meant to disclose or reveal. In Western media, 'Breaking News' is now a standard TV trope used to grab immediate attention. Culturally, 'breaking the news' often carries a heavy moral weight, as the messenger is expected to handle the recipient's emotions with care.
The 'Gently' Rule
If the news is bad, almost always add the word 'gently' (e.g., 'I broke it to him gently'). It shows you have empathy.
Don't use for small talk
Avoid saying you're 'breaking the news' if you're just mentioning that it's raining outside. It makes you sound overly dramatic.
15 सेकंड में
- To reveal significant or surprising information to someone for the first time.
- Commonly used for both very happy and very sad life events.
- Focuses on the act of the messenger delivering the message.
What It Means
Break the news is all about being the messenger. It implies that there is a 'wall' of silence or ignorance. When you 'break' it, the information finally flows through. It usually refers to significant events like a job promotion, a breakup, or a pregnancy. It is not just about chatting; it is about the moment of revelation.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. You can break the news to someone gently or suddenly. Usually, we say break the news to [person]. It feels active and intentional. You are the one holding the secret, and you decide when to let it out. Think of it like popping a bubble of anticipation.
When To Use It
Use this when the information is impactful. It works perfectly for big life updates. Use it when you are telling your parents you are moving out. Use it at work when a manager announces a company merger. It is great for both happy surprises and sad updates. If it changes someone's day, you are breaking the news.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, boring details. If you are just saying what you had for lunch, don't use it. It sounds too dramatic for trivial things. Also, avoid it if the person already knows the information. You can't 'break' something that is already open. It is not for casual gossip about people you don't know well.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, how you break the news is very important. There is a big emphasis on 'softening the blow.' This means being kind if the news is bad. The phrase has been used for centuries. It suggests that news is a solid thing that needs to be opened up. It shows the weight of being a messenger in social circles.
Common Variations
You might hear people say break it to them gently. This is a very common way to suggest being kind. Sometimes people just say break it. For example, 'I don't know how to break it to him.' Another variation is the news broke, which means the information became public. This is often used in journalism for 'breaking news' stories.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember that it carries a sense of weight—don't use it for trivial facts.
The 'Gently' Rule
If the news is bad, almost always add the word 'gently' (e.g., 'I broke it to him gently'). It shows you have empathy.
Don't use for small talk
Avoid saying you're 'breaking the news' if you're just mentioning that it's raining outside. It makes you sound overly dramatic.
Breaking News vs. Breaking the News
On TV, 'Breaking News' means something is happening RIGHT NOW. In conversation, 'breaking the news' is the personal act of telling someone.
उदाहरण
6I can't wait to break the news to my parents that I got the job!
لا أطيق الانتظار لأخبر والديّ بخبر حصولي على الوظيفة!
Used here for a positive, exciting milestone.
The CEO had to break the news to the staff that the branch was closing.
اضطر المدير التنفيذي لإبلاغ الموظفين بخبر إغلاق الفرع.
A formal and serious professional context.
Are you going to break the news to him, or should I?
هل ستخبره أنت بالخبر، أم يجب عليّ أنا؟
Casual usage between friends regarding a shared secret.
Who's going to break the news to the dog that he's not going for a walk?
من سيخبر الكلب بأنه لن يخرج للتنزه؟
Using a serious phrase for a funny, trivial situation.
The doctor broke the news to the family as gently as possible.
أخبر الطبيب العائلة بالخبر بأكبر قدر ممكن من اللطف.
Highly emotional and sensitive context.
The tabloids were the first to break the news of their divorce.
كانت الصحف الصفراء أول من نشر خبر طلاقهما.
Refers to media outlets revealing information to the public.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
I don't want to be the one to ___ the news to her that the party is canceled.
While 'tell' is grammatically okay, 'break the news' is the specific idiom for delivering significant information.
Complete the common advice given when delivering bad news.
If you have to tell him he failed, try to break it to him ___.
'Break it to them gently' is the standard colocation for being kind while delivering bad news.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Break the News'
Telling a friend about a crush.
I'll break the news to her later.
Standard everyday usage for life events.
We broke the news of our engagement.
Professional or journalistic announcements.
The network broke the news at 6 PM.
When to Break the News
Pregnancy Announcement
Telling the grandparents.
Layoffs
HR speaking to employees.
Moving Away
Telling your best friend.
Exam Results
Telling your parents you failed.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it can be for good news too! You can break the news about winning the lottery or getting married.
No, that sounds unnatural. Stick to break the news as it is a set collocation.
It means 'tell me the news.' People often say 'Just break it to me' when they are prepared for the truth.
Yes, it is neutral. A manager can say, 'I have to break some news regarding our budget.'
'Tell' is generic. Break the news implies the information is new, significant, and perhaps a bit shocking.
Yes! You can say 'The news broke this morning,' meaning the information became public knowledge.
Yes, it is used globally across all major English dialects including British, American, and Australian.
Forgetting the preposition to. You must break the news TO someone.
Usually no. Gossip is 'spilling the beans.' Breaking the news feels more official or personal.
It comes from the idea of 'breaking' a seal or a silence to let the truth out.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Spill the beans
To reveal a secret accidentally or prematurely.
Let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret that was supposed to stay hidden.
Soften the blow
To make bad news seem less painful when delivering it.
Keep someone in the loop
To keep someone informed about what is happening.
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