break the news
Meaning
To tell someone important or upsetting information for the first time, especially in a careful or gentle way.
Origin
From the older sense of “break” meaning to make something known or to breach/interrupt (as in “break the silence”). Used especially for revealing significant or bad news.
Notes
Often implies sensitive delivery, usually for bad or serious news (but can be good news too). Common in everyday and semi-formal contexts; suggests care about the listener’s reaction.
Examples
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The doctor asked me to sit down before she broke the news.
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I don’t know how to break the news to my parents that I’m moving abroad.
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He broke the news gently, knowing it would upset everyone.
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We decided to break the news after dinner so the kids wouldn’t panic.
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She called her sister first to break the news about the engagement.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually “break the news (to someone) (that + clause)” or “break the news about + noun.” “The” is fixed; verb inflects (break/broke/broken).
Synonyms
- break it to someone
- tell someone the news
- deliver the news
- share the news
- announce the news
Antonyms
- keep it to yourself
- keep quiet
- withhold the information
- keep it under wraps