breaking a taboo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking a taboo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of violating social or cultural norms that are considered forbidden or unacceptable. Example: "The artist's latest work is a bold statement, breaking a taboo that has long been upheld in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In doing so, he is breaking a taboo.

Independent

They're catching the eye by breaking a taboo.

The Guardian - Opinion

When she swears ("Son of a bitch!"), that itself seems as if she is breaking a taboo.

Independent

It was like breaking a taboo: invading the space of fiction, which was precisely what they had paid not to do; but the instinct for survival prevailed.

The New Yorker

Some economists view the bond purchases as breaking a taboo and risking inflation, since they amount to the central bank financing governments that have borrowed irresponsibly.

The New York Times

It includes an extraordinary offer by the Bush administration to bring senior U.S. diplomats into direct talks with Iran, breaking a taboo of 27 years.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"But taking the savings breaks a taboo".

The New York Times

Maybe this will break a taboo.

The Guardian - Film

Campaigning is beginning to break a taboo.

The Guardian

"Brexit has broken a taboo," she said.

The Guardian

Pamuk's sin wasn't just to break a taboo.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "breaking a taboo" to highlight situations where established social, cultural, or ethical norms are being challenged or violated. This phrase adds emphasis to the significance of the action and its potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking a taboo" in situations where the action is merely unconventional or slightly unusual. Reserve it for instances where there's a significant and widely recognized norm being violated, ensuring the phrase maintains its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking a taboo" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action that violates a social, cultural, or ethical norm. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, this phrase frequently highlights actions with significant social implications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breaking a taboo" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the violation of established social, cultural, or ethical norms. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in News & Media. While the phrase itself carries a neutral tone, the act it describes can be perceived as either positive or negative depending on the specific context and the norm being violated. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the action genuinely constitutes a significant breach of widely recognized norms, as opposed to merely being unconventional. Alternatives such as "transgressing boundaries" or "challenging convention" can offer nuanced variations for different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violating norms

Directly refers to the action of not conforming to established social rules or standards.

transgressing boundaries

Emphasizes the act of overstepping established limits or accepted standards of behavior.

shattering norms

Emphasizes the forceful and impactful nature of violating established standards.

challenging convention

Focuses on the act of questioning and going against established norms, often with the intent of reform or progress.

defying social mores

Specifically refers to challenging the accepted customs and moral values of a society.

flouting convention

Implies a deliberate and often ostentatious disregard for established customs or norms.

defying expectations

Highlights the act of acting in a way that is contrary to what is generally anticipated or predicted.

questioning orthodoxy

Focuses on challenging traditional or widely accepted beliefs and practices.

overturning tradition

Focuses on the act of rejecting or changing long-standing customs or beliefs.

disrupting expectations

Highlights the act of creating confusion or disorder regarding the norms.

FAQs

How can I use "breaking a taboo" in a sentence?

You can use "breaking a taboo" to describe an action that goes against established social or cultural norms. For example, "The artist's exhibition was seen as "breaking a taboo" because it openly addressed traditionally sensitive subjects".

What's the difference between "breaking a taboo" and "challenging convention"?

"Breaking a taboo" implies a violation of a deeply held social or cultural norm, often with potential repercussions. "Challenging convention", on the other hand, suggests questioning or opposing established practices without necessarily violating a deeply ingrained moral code.

What are some alternatives to "breaking a taboo"?

Alternatives include "transgressing boundaries", "violating norms", or "defying social mores", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "breaking a taboo" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "breaking a taboo" often implies going against established norms, it can sometimes be viewed positively, especially when challenging harmful or outdated customs. The context determines whether it's seen as a positive act of defiance or a negative transgression.