a tough break

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tough break" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means an unfortunate or difficult situation. Example: "Losing her job was a tough break, but she didn't let it get her down. She immediately started applying for new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Brian got a tough break.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a tough break," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a tough break for us.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a tough break for me and the team.

The New York Times - Sports

"That is really a tough break," said Spurgeon Fosnaugh, 58, a spectator who should know.

The New York Times - Sports

"He got a tough break on the first goal last night," Oates said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

What do you listen to during a tough break-up?

Huffington Post

That's a real tough break, Rob.

Huffington Post

The house, which is a National Historic Landmark, has had quite a few tough breaks over time, starting when Barnsdall fired Wright in 1921 after he'd far exceeded the budget.

Los Angeles Times

In April, he was in denial after the Spanish clay-court specialist Alex Corretja embarrassed him on grass in a Davis Cup loss, explaining it away as a few tough breaks going against him.

The New York Times - Sports

The Brits Using AmazOnean Frog Poison to Fight Depression and Alcohol Abuse.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough break" to express sympathy or acknowledge someone's unfortunate situation, particularly in sports or business contexts where setbacks are common.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough break" when referring to a physical fracture or breakage. This phrase is specifically for unfortunate or unlucky situations.

How to use

Learn how to use "a tough break" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough break" functions as an idiomatic expression used to acknowledge and express sympathy for someone's misfortune or setback. Ludwig examples show it's often used in sports and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough break" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express sympathy or acknowledgment of an unfortunate situation or setback. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Sports contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it to describe physical breaks, as its primary meaning relates to unfortunate circumstances. Consider alternatives like "bad luck" or "unfortunate setback" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stroke of bad luck

This alternative focuses on the element of chance and misfortune.

an unfortunate setback

This alternative emphasizes the hindrance or delay caused by the bad luck.

a raw deal

This implies unfairness in the situation, suggesting someone was treated unjustly.

a harsh blow

This alternative emphasizes the impact and severity of the unfortunate event.

a difficult situation

This is a more general term, lacking the specific connotation of bad luck.

a disappointing turn of events

This alternative emphasizes the dashed expectations and resulting disappointment.

a piece of bad news

This is a more neutral and less emphatic way of expressing the misfortune.

a spot of bother

This is a more understated, often British, way of referring to a problem.

a challenging experience

This emphasizes the difficulty and the potential for growth, rather than just the misfortune.

an adverse event

This is a more formal and clinical way of referring to an unfortunate occurrence.

FAQs

What does "a tough break" mean?

The phrase "a tough break" refers to an unfortunate event, a setback, or a piece of bad luck that someone experiences. It is used to express sympathy or acknowledgment of a difficult situation.

How can I use "a tough break" in a sentence?

You can use "a tough break" to express sympathy or to acknowledge an unfortunate situation. For example, "Losing the game after such a strong effort was "a tough break" for the team."

What can I say instead of "a tough break"?

You can use alternatives like "bad luck", "an unfortunate setback", or "a raw deal" depending on the context.

Is "tough break" formal or informal?

"Tough break" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for casual conversation and writing. While understandable in professional settings, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain contexts.