make a break for it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make a break for it’ mean?
The idiom "make a break for it" means to try to escape or run away, often from a dangerous or difficult situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take to one's heels" means to run away or flee from a dangerous or difficult situation, usually out of fear or a desire to escape. It implies a sudden and hasty retreat, indicating a sense of urgency and the need to quickly distance oneself from a threat.
The idiom "on the run" means being in a state of constant movement or being pursued by someone or something. It can also refer to living a fast-paced and hectic life without any moment of rest or relaxation.
The idiom "on the loose" means to be free or not captured, often used to describe a person, animal, or thing that is roaming or causing trouble.
The idiom "on the lam" means to be running or hiding from the authorities to avoid capture or punishment.
The idiom "on the lam" is commonly used in American English to describe someone who is fleeing or evading capture, particularly by law enforcement. It has a long history and is rooted in the criminal underworld.
The idiom "off and running" means to be actively engaged in a successful and productive activity or endeavor. It implies a quick and confident start, often with a sense of excitement and momentum.
The idiom "move out" means to leave a particular place or to vacate one's current residence. It implies a change in one's living situation or relocation to a new place.
The idiom "move on" means to leave a situation or past event behind and continue with one's life or focus on something else.
The idiom "make tracks" means to leave or depart from a place quickly or hastily.
Make tracks is an idiom commonly used in American English. It means to move quickly or hastily, often in order to leave a place or situation. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of tracks, which refers to the marks left behind by something that has traveled over a surface.
The idiom "make the running" means to take the lead or initiative in a particular situation or activity. It suggests being proactive and setting the pace or direction for others to follow.
The idiom "make the running" is a commonly used phrase in English language. It is primarily used in British English, but it is also understood and used in American English.
The idiom "make the most of" means to use or take advantage of something in the best possible way, typically in order to maximize its benefits or potential.
Thrilling Origins
The idiom "make a run for it" is closely related to the phrase "make a break for it." Both phrases convey the idea of attempting to escape or flee from a given situation. "Make a run for it" suggests a sense of urgency and the need to act quickly in order to avoid potential consequences or danger. Just as someone might make a break for it to escape a prison, they might also make a run for it to escape from a dangerous situation.
Another related idiom is "take to one's heels," which has a similar meaning to "make a break for it." It refers to the act of running away or fleeing from a situation, often done in a sudden or impulsive manner. When faced with danger or the need to escape, a person might take to their heels and quickly run away.
Similarly, the idiom "make tracks" shares a common theme with "make a break for it." It suggests the act of leaving or departing from a place in a swift or hurried manner. Just as someone might make a break for it to escape, they might also make tracks to quickly leave a location, often without hesitation or delay.
In addition, the idiom "make a move" is closely related to "make a break for it." It implies taking action or making a decisive step in order to change or improve a situation. While "make a break for it" specifically refers to escaping or fleeing, "make a move" can encompass a broader range of actions, such as making a change in one's career or personal life.
Lastly, the idiom "move on" can also be connected to "make a break for it." It suggests the act of leaving behind a current situation or moving forward in order to progress or find resolution. While "make a break for it" emphasizes the escape or departure aspect, "move on" focuses more on the process of moving forward and leaving the past behind.
The idiom "make a break for it" is closely related to several other idioms, including "make a run for it," "take to one's heels," "make tracks," "make a move," and "move on." These idioms all convey the concept of escaping or fleeing from a particular situation, whether it be a physical escape or a desire for liberation from constraints. They capture the human instinct to seek freedom and take action in order to achieve it.
Example usage
Examples:
- When the guard wasn't looking, the prisoner made a break for it and ran towards the fence.
- As soon as the fire alarm went off, everyone in the building made a break for it and evacuated.
- After being stuck indoors all day, the children made a break for it and rushed outside to play.
More "Escape" idioms
