break a promise
يخلف وعدًا
Literalmente: to shatter a vow
Use this phrase when someone fails to keep a specific, serious commitment they previously made to you.
Em 15 segundos
- Failing to do what you committed to doing.
- Damaging trust by not following through on a word.
- Used in both serious personal and professional situations.
Significado
This phrase describes the act of failing to do something you said you would definitely do. It is like snapping a physical bond of trust between you and another person.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Disappointed friend
You said you would help me move, but you broke your promise.
You said you would help me move, but you broke your promise.
Professional setting
The company broke its promise to provide a year-end bonus.
The company broke its promise to provide a year-end bonus.
Texting a sibling
Don't break your promise to bring the snacks tonight!
Don't break your promise to bring the snacks tonight!
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'keeping one's word' is a cornerstone of Western social ethics, dating back to chivalric codes where a man's word was his honor. In modern times, breaking a promise is often viewed as a significant blow to one's reputation, especially in business and politics.
The 'Pinky' Connection
If you want to be extra informal with friends, you can talk about a `pinky promise`. Breaking one of these is considered the ultimate betrayal in playground rules!
Don't say 'Broken Promise' for everything
If you just forgot a small detail, say 'I forgot.' Using `break a promise` makes the situation sound very serious and might make people more upset than necessary.
Em 15 segundos
- Failing to do what you committed to doing.
- Damaging trust by not following through on a word.
- Used in both serious personal and professional situations.
What It Means
Break a promise is more than just forgetting a task. It is about failing a commitment. When you make a promise, you create a social contract. Breaking it means you have failed to deliver. It implies a loss of trust. It feels heavy and personal. You aren't just late; you let someone down.
How To Use It
You use it as a standard verb phrase. The word break is the action. The word promise is the object. You can say someone broke their promise. You can also use it as a warning. "Don't break your promise!" It sounds serious because trust is on the line. It works in past, present, and future tenses easily.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. Use it with friends when you miss a hangout. Use it with your boss regarding a deadline. It is perfect for emotional conversations. If a politician fails to lower taxes, they broke a promise. If a parent forgets a toy, they broke a promise. It fits anywhere trust exists.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, accidental mistakes. If you forget to buy milk, it's a mistake. If you promised your wife you'd buy milk, then it fits. Avoid using it for things you never agreed to. It requires a clear, prior agreement. Don't use it for laws; you break a law, not a promise. Keep it for personal or professional commitments.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, your word is your bond. Breaking a promise is seen as a character flaw. There is an old childhood rhyme: "Pinky swear, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye." This shows how seriously children take promises. Adults don't use the rhyme, but the feeling remains. Reliability is a top-tier social value in the West.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say go back on your word. This is a bit more formal. You might hear break your word too. If someone does it often, they are unreliable. If the promise was a legal one, they breached a contract. For kids, we say they backed out. All of these point to the same broken trust.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context. However, because it implies a moral failure, it carries emotional weight. In professional settings, 'failure to deliver' is a softer alternative.
The 'Pinky' Connection
If you want to be extra informal with friends, you can talk about a `pinky promise`. Breaking one of these is considered the ultimate betrayal in playground rules!
Don't say 'Broken Promise' for everything
If you just forgot a small detail, say 'I forgot.' Using `break a promise` makes the situation sound very serious and might make people more upset than necessary.
Reliability is Currency
In many English-speaking workplaces, being a 'person of your word' (someone who doesn't break promises) is often more valued than being the smartest person in the room.
Exemplos
6You said you would help me move, but you broke your promise.
You said you would help me move, but you broke your promise.
Expressing direct disappointment to a friend.
The company broke its promise to provide a year-end bonus.
The company broke its promise to provide a year-end bonus.
Used to describe a corporate failure to meet expectations.
Don't break your promise to bring the snacks tonight!
Don't break your promise to bring the snacks tonight!
A lighthearted but firm reminder.
I broke my promise to my diet and ate three donuts.
I broke my promise to my diet and ate three donuts.
Using the phrase for self-deprecating humor regarding willpower.
It's important not to break a promise to a child.
It's important not to break a promise to a child.
Discussing general values and trust-building.
I am deeply sorry for breaking my promise regarding the project timeline.
I am deeply sorry for breaking my promise regarding the project timeline.
Taking responsibility in a formal way.
Teste-se
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
If you ___ a promise, people will stop trusting you.
In English, we specifically use the verb `break` with `promise` as a standard collocation.
Complete the sentence with the possessive pronoun.
He felt terrible because he broke ___ promise to his mother.
We usually use a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her) to show whose promise was broken.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum of 'Break a Promise'
Used with friends/family
You broke your promise about the pizza!
Standard everyday use
He broke his promise to call me.
Used in literature or speeches
The leader has broken a sacred promise to the people.
When to use 'Break a Promise'
Relationships
Forgetting an anniversary after promising to remember.
Work
Missing a deadline you swore to meet.
Politics
A candidate not following through on a campaign vow.
Personal Goals
Eating sugar when you promised yourself you wouldn't.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThe phrase itself isn't rude, but accusing someone of it can be very confrontational. It is a serious charge to lay against someone, so use it carefully.
Yes, but it adds drama. Saying You broke your promise to bring my pen back sounds like a big deal for a small item.
The opposite is keep a promise. For example, He always keeps his promises.
Yes. Lying is saying something false now. Breaking a promise is failing to do something in the future that you said you would do.
Absolutely. It is common to say The brand broke its promise to customers if a product doesn't work as advertised.
Yes, break your word is a slightly more old-fashioned or formal way to say the same thing.
You can say, I'm sorry I broke my promise. It shows you recognize that you let the person down.
Yes, it is an irregular verb. Use broke for the past and broken for the participle, like I have broken my promise.
It is better to use more professional terms like unable to meet the commitment unless the situation is very serious.
It refers to the failed commitment itself. The path was paved with broken promises.
Frases relacionadas
Keep a promise
To do what you said you would do.
Go back on your word
To fail to fulfill a promise or agreement.
Back out
To withdraw from a commitment at the last minute.
A man/woman of their word
Someone who always keeps their promises.
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis