break the mould

USAGE SUMMARY

"break the mould" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that can be used to mean to do something that is unusual or unexpected, or to create something new or original. For example: "The new restaurant is really breaking the mould with their innovative cuisine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to break the mould".

Independent

Botham didn't break the mould.

The Guardian - Sport

I tried to break the mould.

The Guardian

"She has done it to break the mould.

Independent

The 2002 elections did not break the mould.

The Economist

But that is not what "break the mould" means.

Independent

But he didn't break the mould; he adapted it.

The Guardian

Rejected an invitation to "break the mould of British politics".

The Guardian - Opinion

We really tried to break the mould," he said.

The Guardian

Only the manipulative Prior attempts to break the mould.

The Guardian - Books

The Jordanian capital Amman, though, is starting to break the mould.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break the mould" when you want to emphasize a departure from tradition or a significant change in approach. For example, "The company sought to break the mould with its innovative new product line".

Common error

Avoid using "break the mould" for minor adjustments. This idiom implies a fundamental change, not just a slight modification. For example, saying "We broke the mould by changing the font" would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the mould" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies a deliberate departure from established norms and practices, suggesting innovation and change. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a marker of transformative action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Social Media

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break the mould" is a versatile idiomatic expression meaning to defy conventions or do something in a completely new way. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used, as proven by the high number of real-world examples. It's most frequently found in news and media, signaling new approaches across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure that you're truly describing a significant departure from the norm. For similar expressions, consider alternatives such as "defy convention" or "challenge the status quo". Overall, "break the mould" remains a powerful way to convey innovation and change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge the status quo

Highlights questioning and contesting existing conditions.

disrupt the norm

Highlights causing a disturbance to traditional standards.

defy convention

Focuses on actively opposing established norms.

forge a new path

Implies creating an entirely new direction or method.

transcend limitations

Emphasizes overcoming restrictions and boundaries.

revolutionize the approach

Suggests a dramatic and transformative change.

innovate radically

Stresses the introduction of extreme novelty.

pioneer a transformation

Focuses on being the first to implement change.

redefine the paradigm

Implies a fundamental shift in thinking and approach.

escape the confines

Centers on the act of freeing oneself from restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "break the mould" in a sentence?

You can use "break the mould" to describe someone or something that is doing things differently or challenging conventions. For example, "The artist aimed to break the mould of traditional portraiture."

What does it mean to "break the mould"?

To "break the mould" means to do something in a completely new or different way, often challenging established norms or traditions. It implies a significant departure from what is expected.

What can I say instead of "break the mould"?

You can use alternatives like "defy convention", "challenge the status quo", or "disrupt the norm" depending on the context.

Is it "break the mould" or "break the mold"?

"Break the mould" is the British English spelling, while "break the mold" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but consistency within your writing is key.