student asking question

What's "precedent busting" mean? Is this proper to say in a formal speech?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Here, "precedent-busting" is a compound adjective used to describe the "appointments!" It means these new appointments are breaking the norm and changing what was expected within the Cabinet roles. I wouldn't say it's common to join these words, but within this specific context, it works well! Ex: Having three managers at the store is a precedent-busting occurrence. We used to have only one. Ex: The town elected its first female mayor! I'd say that's precedent-busting.

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