student asking question

What does "give someone a break" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

To "give someone a break" means to stop criticizing someone, give them a chance, or allow them to do something that someone normally wouldn't because they usually lack experience. Ex: Give me a break! I just learned how to play the game. Ex: The media needs to give her a break! They only show negative things about her and don't report on all the good things she's done.

Popular Q&As

04/18

Complete the expression with a quiz!