Phrasal verb
break through
To break through means to suddenly succeed in getting past a barrier or making progress after difficulty.
Meanings
to make a sudden important advance or succeed after difficulty
to force a way through a physical barrier or a crowd
to become known or successful to a wider audience
Definition
Break through is used when someone or something manages to overcome an obstacle or resistance. It often describes sudden progress after a long period of difficulty. It can also describe physically forcing a way through a barrier or crowd.
Examples
- I finally broke through after weeks of practice.
- She broke through the crowd to reach her friend.
- They broke through with their first hit song last summer.
- Our team broke through in the second half and scored twice.
Common mistake
Learners often use it without an object for the physical meaning, but you usually need one (e.g., “broke through the wall/crowd”).
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.