Phrase guide

break cover

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break, cover.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

Examples

  • Government MPs sympathetic to the opposition's arguments are starting to break cover.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: show one's true colors, show one's true stripes

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.