Phrase guide

break the mold

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

To depart from a traditional pattern; to defy convention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make it impossible for an identical copy to be made.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • When they made that one, they broke the mold.
  • When God made her, He broke the mold.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the use of molds to make multiple replicas of solid objects using moldable materials.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: aus dem Rahmen fallen — to depart from tradition
  • Spanish: romper el molde — to depart from tradition
  • Spanish: romper esquemas — to depart from tradition