break confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break confidence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which an individual violates the trust of one or more people by revealing private information or secrets. For example: "Dave broke confidence when he revealed the details of the surprise party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

British doctors will break confidence to save the patient, or others, from serious harm: when they suspect child abuse, for example, or by notifying the authorities if a patient who suffers fits or blackouts keeps driving.But such decisions are everything the new law would not be: proportionate, limited and made case by case.

The Economist

Inform mentees of your obligation to break confidence should the protégé disclose intentions to be harmful to themselves or others.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Jake doesn't break confidences with women he dates or is friends with, for the sake of frat-boy humor.

The New York Times

Lawyers for each of the Bennetts, who have been married about 11 years, said prosecutors were improperly trying to force Mrs. Bennett to break confidences protected by the spousal privilege.

The New York Times

He also shared a lot about his love life – I won't break confidences, except to mention he's the first person I've ever met who broke up with a girlfriend with his motorcycle helmet on for fear of her potentially violent reaction.

The New York Times

Once people know you pass on secrets, break confidences, share rumors and are prepared to put down anyone in the office or workplace, you won't be considered trustworthy or mature.

WikiHow

Enrico Letta, Italy's prime minister, is heading to parliament this morning for a make-or-break confidence vote.

The Guardian - Business

Earlier on Wednesday, Letta urged senators to search their consciences and support his government in a make-or-break confidence vote.

The Guardian

Italy's precarious government will face a make-or-break confidence vote this week after Silvio Berlusconi pulled his ministers out of the grand coalition and, amid growing dissent in his own ranks, called for new elections as soon as possible.

The Guardian

The politics of the eurozone's third largest economy was in a state of uncertainty as the prime minister, Enrico Letta, urged MPs to search their consciences and support his government in a make-or-break confidence vote.

The Guardian

I then lead readers through the steps I myself took when breaking confidence down to its more elemental amino acids.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical responsibilities in professional contexts, use "break confidence" to clearly convey the violation of trust through revealing sensitive information. For instance, "The lawyer would never break confidence with his clients."

Common error

Avoid using "break confidence" when you mean to express a reduction in self-assuredness or trust in one's abilities. Use "lose confidence" in such cases. For example, "The team began to lose confidence after a series of defeats", not "break confidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break confidence" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "break" acts as a verb indicating the action of violating or breaching, and "confidence" serves as the object, representing the trust or secret that is compromised. According to Ludwig AI it is usually used to describe a situation in which an individual violates the trust of one or more people by revealing private information or secrets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break confidence" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the violation of trust by revealing private information. According to Ludwig AI, it clearly conveys that somebody revealed private information or secrets, and the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for use in news media, encyclopedias, and general discussions. When writing, avoid using "break confidence" when you mean to express a reduction in self-assuredness or trust in one's abilities; "lose confidence" is more appropriate in those cases. Synonyms include "betray a secret", "violate confidentiality", and "breach trust".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveal a confidence

Directly focuses on making known something that was shared privately.

breach trust

Stresses the violation of reliance and faith placed in someone.

betray a trust

Focuses on the act of violating a belief of reliance and faith in somebody.

violate confidentiality

Emphasizes the breach of an agreement or ethical obligation to keep information private.

disclose private information

Highlights the act of revealing personal or sensitive details.

betray a secret

Focuses on the act of revealing something that was meant to be kept hidden.

leak confidential information

Implies that the disclosure of private data can also be unintentional.

divulge a secret

Highlights the act of making a secret known.

go back on one's word

Refers to somebody who betrayed their promise.

let the cat out of the bag

An idiomatic expression that suggests an unintended disclosure of a secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "break confidence" to describe the act of revealing private information, such as: "The doctor would "never break confidence" with his patients".

What is a synonym for "break confidence"?

Alternatives to "break confidence" include "betray a secret", "violate confidentiality", or "breach trust". The choice depends on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

When is it acceptable to "break confidence"?

While generally discouraged, there are situations where it may be necessary to "break confidence", such as when someone is at risk of harming themselves or others. British doctors might "break confidence" to prevent serious harm.

What are the consequences of "breaking confidence"?

The consequences of "breaking confidence" can include damaged relationships, loss of trust, and professional repercussions, particularly in fields requiring strict confidentiality.