break the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to performance, music, or events, often implying a strong impact or memorable performance. Example: "The band was so electrifying that they truly broke the stage with their performance last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Nothing feels worse that having to break the stage down before the performance, and I mean nothing," he said.

The New York Times

As one band was about to break the stage would revolve and the replacement band would appear continuing the same song as the original band disappeared from stage!

The New York Times

Inclement weather had threatened to break the stage from its moorings, putting paid to the original plan to float the stage across the Royal Victoria Dock.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Because we are interested in what percentage of middle-grade students are constrained to these kinds of advanced operations with a TNS, we broke the stage associated with a TNS into two substages when designing the written assessment: (1) students who are still early in the stage (eTNS students) and (2) students who can do advanced operations within this stage (aTNS students).

International Journal of STEM Education

Jamie Lloyd has become the youngest director to break into The Stage 100 power list since Sam Mendes.

Independent

But in "Don't Break the Rules," he takes center stage.

The New York Times

We break the problem down into three stages: mass detection, mass segmentation, and mass classification.

Medical Image Analysis

You may want to break the project into steps or stages and assign a different deadline for each step.

WikiHow

The few remaining on the street are the grips and roadies breaking down the stage.

The New York Times

The air conditioning was broken and the stage was lit in a deep green.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rayner said he felt himself growing faint, and he began breaking from the stage directions out of fatigue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break the stage" to vividly describe a performance or event that is highly impactful and memorable. It implies a performance so powerful it figuratively 'breaks' the performance space.

Common error

Avoid using "break the stage" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional moments to maintain its effectiveness and prevent sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the stage" functions as a figurative expression, typically used to describe a performance or event that is exceptionally powerful, energetic, and memorable. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break the stage" is a grammatically sound and figuratively potent phrase used to depict performances or events of remarkable impact. According to Ludwig, it is more suited to informal or creative settings than formal ones. While its occurrence is uncommon, it effectively communicates enthusiasm and memorability. Alternative phrases such as "bring down the house" and "steal the show" offer similar connotations. When writing, reserve "break the stage" for truly exceptional moments to maintain its vivid effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring down the house

An idiom that means to cause the audience to react with great enthusiasm, as if they're tearing down the building.

steal the show

Highlights outperforming others but does not necessarily imply destruction.

deliver a show-stopping performance

Emphasizes the exceptional quality and impact of the performance.

deliver an unforgettable performance

Emphasizes the lasting impact on the audience.

command the stage

Focuses on dominating the performance space rather than a destructive action.

give a remarkable performance

Emphasizes the outstanding quality of the performance.

captivate the audience

Focuses on the audience's engagement rather than a literal stage.

wow the crowd

Stresses the positive reception from the audience.

nail the performance

Highlights executing the performance perfectly, without implying destruction.

leave a lasting impression

Shifts the focus to the audience's memory instead of a literal stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "break the stage" to describe a performance that is incredibly powerful and memorable. For example, "The band's energy was so intense, they practically broke the stage with their performance."

What does it mean to "break the stage"?

To "break the stage" means to give such a phenomenal performance that it feels like the performance space is being shattered or redefined by the energy and talent on display. It's a figurative way to express extraordinary impact.

Which phrases are similar to "break the stage"?

Similar phrases include "bring down the house", "steal the show", or "deliver a show-stopping performance". These all convey a sense of exceptional impact and audience engagement.

Is it appropriate to use "break the stage" in formal writing?

While "break the stage" is vivid, it's generally more appropriate for informal or creative contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "deliver an unforgettable performance" or "give a remarkable performance" to maintain a professional tone.