Phrase guide

clean break

noun · 1 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

noun

Meaning 1

The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He decided to make a clean break with his employer.
  • I'm ready for a clean break with my ex-girlfriend.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 一刀兩斷 /一刀两断 (yīdāoliǎngduàn) — initiate a complete termination of a relationship
  • Chinese Mandarin: 脫離 /脱离 (tuōlí) — initiate a complete termination of a relationship
  • Chinese Mandarin: 斷交 /断交 (duànjiāo) — initiate a complete termination of a relationship
  • Finnish: panna välit poikki — initiate a complete termination of a relationship
  • Russian: по́лный разры́в (pólnyj razrýv) — initiate a complete termination of a relationship
  • Spanish: cortar por lo sano — initiate a complete termination of a relationship