Phrasal verb
break away
Meanings
to leave a group or situation suddenly, often to escape or be independent
to become separated from something because it is pulled, broken, or detached
to move ahead of others in a race or competition, leaving the group behind
Definition
To break away means to leave a group or place suddenly in order to escape or do something different.
When you break away, you separate yourself from a group, situation, or physical restraint. It often suggests a quick or determined move to get free. It can also mean leaving the main group in a race or activity to go ahead on your own.
Examples
- I break away from my desk for a quick walk at lunchtime.
- She broke away from the crowd to make a private phone call.
- They tried to break away from the guided tour and explore the side streets.
- During the storm, a large piece of trim broke away from the roof.
- He broke away from the pack near the finish line.
Common mistake
Learners often say "break off" when they mean leaving a group, but "break away" is the natural choice for separating and moving away.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.