break out of the straitjacket

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break out of the straitjacket" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe the act of freeing oneself from constraints or limitations, whether they be mental, emotional, or situational. Example: "In order to innovate, we must break out of the straitjacket of traditional thinking and embrace new ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Whether he will be the man to break out of the straitjacket, only time will tell.

The Guardian - Business

Men have a pressing task too: to break out of the straitjacket that lad culture has locked us into.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while Kennedy's Presidential campaign, characterized by the phrase "New Frontier," may have used the language of the Space Age, it did not break out of the straitjacket of the Cold War or truly point the way to the future we're living today.

The New Yorker

Not content with the bookshop floor as his stage, Colfer has gone one further and taken over a West End theatre over the coming half-term week, in what looks like a growing trend for writers to break out of the straitjacket of the literary festival or traditional signing and take control of their own promotional activities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Aim for an ambitious, ultraviolent film that breaks out of the genre straitjacket, with a really out-there director on board.

The Guardian - Film

But he says he found it almost impossible to break out of the reality straitjacket; he was even knocked back by The Bill ("Once they turned me down I thought that was that, I'll never do it").

The Guardian - Film

With mouthwatering recipes for moules marinières and kokkoretsi, bocconcini, bouillabaisse and bourride, lièvre à la royale, paella Valenciana and boeuf en daube, she challenged her readers to break out of the Home Front straitjacket and sally forth into Soho.

The Guardian - Books

Among this new generation of better-educated journalists, there is an urge to break out of the reportorial straitjacket by slipping a point of view into a supposedly impartial item.

Forbes

Most eastern companies have now broken out of the straitjacket of nationwide wage accords first foisted on them by the west; easterners work longer hours, and are more flexible than their Wessi cousins; red tape has been slashed.

The Economist

While it is true that the Jets of the Parcells era (1997-2000) brout ofthef the straitjacket of most of their history, the simple fact is the Jets made the playoffs only once during Parcells's tenure, which included the first three seasons as head coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Kailey is a less extreme example of the kind of role embraced by beautiful women (like Charlize Theron as the serial killer Aileen Wuornos in "Monster") to break out of the glamour-girl straitjacket and prove they can act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "break out of the straitjacket", ensure the context clearly defines what limitations or constraints are being escaped. Specificity enhances the impact of the metaphor.

Common error

Avoid using "break out of the straitjacket" too frequently in your writing. While evocative, overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for simpler, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break out of the straitjacket" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a metaphor for escaping limitations or constraints. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break out of the straitjacket" is a common idiom used to describe escaping limitations or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. As evidenced by examples from sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, this phrase often appears in contexts related to news, media, and discussions of societal or personal constraints. While versatile, it's important to use this expression judiciously to maintain its impact. Related phrases include "transcend limitations" and "liberate oneself". Ultimately, using "break out of the straitjacket" effectively involves specificity and awareness of its potential for overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break free from restrictions

Directly addresses the act of escaping specific rules or limitations.

liberate oneself

Underscores the action of setting oneself free from oppression or restriction.

overcome constraints

Focuses on successfully dealing with and surpassing restrictions or limitations.

shatter the mold

Indicates a radical departure from traditional or expected patterns.

transcend limitations

Emphasizes rising above or exceeding the boundaries of what is possible or allowed.

rise above boundaries

Implies surpassing limitations to reach a higher level or state.

escape confinement

Highlights the act of breaking free from a state of being enclosed or limited.

challenge the status quo

Emphasizes questioning and confronting existing power structures or accepted practices.

defy conventions

Stresses resistance against established norms or practices.

rebel against the norm

Focuses on active resistance to what is considered standard or typical.

FAQs

How can I use "break out of the straitjacket" in a sentence?

You can use "break out of the straitjacket" to describe escaping limitations. For example: "The company needed to "break out of the straitjacket" of traditional marketing to reach a younger audience."

What does it mean to "break out of the straitjacket"?

To "break out of the straitjacket" means to free oneself from constraints, restrictions, or limitations, often in a metaphorical sense, suggesting a release from something that is holding one back.

Are there any alternatives to using the phrase "break out of the straitjacket"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "escape confinement", "liberate oneself", or "break free from restrictions" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "break out of the straitjacket" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "break out of the straitjacket" is grammatically correct and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although it's more common in creative or persuasive contexts to add emphasis.