breach the ceiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breach the ceiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing breaking through a limit or barrier, often in a metaphorical sense related to achievements or expectations. Example: "The team's innovative approach allowed them to breach the ceiling of previous sales records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The OBR says it will breach the ceiling set in 2008, rising to more than 173%, by 2019.

The Guardian - Business

Investors may be strategizing that even if they personally don't believe the country will actually breach the ceiling, other fools may.

The New York Times

If the gap remains above 3percentt for the year, it will breach the ceiling set by treaty for the 12 members of the monetary union.

The New York Times

It concludes that interest rates will be cut to 1% (from today's 2%) by early next year.Germany is certain again this year to breach the ceiling set by Europe's stability pact for its budget deficit of 3% of GDP.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shortfalls at those levels breach the ceilings set by European Union's Stability and Growth Pact, which limits deficits to three percent of gross domestic product.

The New York Times

Jordan, as it turns out, revealed himself to be a Debt Ceiling Truther-Doofus -- he suggested that breaching the ceiling was no big deal.

Huffington Post

The Treasury Department has shed little light on what actions it would take if the country breached the ceiling.

The New York Times

France, which has also breached the ceiling, plans to present a new plan to reduce its deficit next week in Brussels.

The New York Times

It has risen from 4.2% in October 2009 to just over 6.5% in April, when it breached the ceiling of the Central Bank's target.

The Economist

Any non-EU buyer making purchases that breached the ceiling would lose their voting rights on the shares and would be forced to sell them within ten days.

The Times

On the debt ceiling matter, there's consensus that breaching the ceiling has become a political loser for the GOP, which is welcome news -- it's the same thing as saying that getting whacked on bath salts and killing your familt with your bare hands has become a "political loser".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breach the ceiling" when you want to emphasize the action of breaking through a previously established limit or barrier, particularly in economic or abstract contexts. Ensure the context clearly defines what 'ceiling' is being breached.

Common error

Avoid using "breach the ceiling" in literal contexts where a physical ceiling is being broken. The phrase is predominantly used metaphorically to describe surpassing limits, especially in finance or societal progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breach the ceiling" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of surpassing or exceeding a limit or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in contexts discussing limits or barriers. It often carries a formal or technical connotation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breach the ceiling" is a verb phrase used to describe exceeding a limit or restriction, particularly in economic, political, or metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news and media sources, often with a neutral or professional register. While not as common as simpler alternatives, "breach the ceiling" offers a specific connotation of surpassing an established boundary. Related phrases include "exceed the limit" and "surpass the threshold". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the 'ceiling' and avoid using it in literal contexts involving physical ceilings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed the limit

Focuses on surpassing a defined boundary or restriction.

surpass the threshold

Emphasizes going beyond a critical point or level.

break through the barrier

Highlights overcoming an obstacle preventing progress.

violate the upper bound

Indicates infringement of a defined maximum value.

transgress the limit

Implies overstepping a boundary, often with a negative connotation.

overstep the mark

Suggests exceeding acceptable limits of behavior or performance.

go beyond expectations

Focuses on exceeding anticipated levels of performance or achievement.

outstrip the benchmark

Implies surpassing a standard used for comparison.

rise above limitations

Emphasizes overcoming personal or systemic constraints.

shatter the glass ceiling

Specifically refers to overcoming barriers preventing advancement, particularly for women in professional settings.

FAQs

How can I use "breach the ceiling" in a sentence?

You can use "breach the ceiling" to describe surpassing a limit, such as "The country's debt is expected to "breach the ceiling" by 2025." It's often used in economic or metaphorical contexts.

What does "breach the ceiling" mean in a financial context?

In finance, "breach the ceiling" usually refers to exceeding a pre-set limit, such as a debt ceiling or a budget deficit limit. For example, a country might "exceed the limit" on its national debt.

Which is more appropriate, "breach the ceiling" or "break the ceiling"?

"Breach the ceiling" is generally more appropriate in formal or metaphorical contexts, such as discussing economic limits or regulations. "Break the ceiling" might be used more literally or figuratively, depending on context. Consider "surpass the threshold" as a suitable alternative.

Is "breach the ceiling" only used in negative contexts?

While "breach the ceiling" often appears in contexts involving negative consequences (e.g., exceeding debt limits), it can also be used in positive contexts to describe surpassing expectations or achieving a new level of success. For instance, a company might "go beyond expectations" in sales.