crack over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack over" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in informal contexts, but its meaning may not be clear without additional context. Example: "I tried to crack over the code, but it didn't work as expected."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Weiner favors plaster moldings, saying they do not expand and contract with humidity and cold and are thus less likely to crack over time.

The New York Times

There are also clubs for ghost-hunting, chess and gays and, naturally, a puzzle sheet for the spooks to crack over breakfast, entitled Kryptos.Yet Mr Snowden's revelations have caused additional perspiration in the doughnut, because they have been deeply compromising.

The Economist

"I think, 'I'm slipping.'" "It just snowballed from there," Redding said, noting that the illustrations are printed on museum-grade and archival paper, ensuring that they will not fade or crack over time.

Los Angeles Times

An inexpensive plastic window, however, can turn brown, get scratched, or even crack over time.

WikiHow

Plastic or composite handles require little maintenance and can be contoured to provide extra grip, but they too can crack over time.

WikiHow

Cleaning products that are not designed specifically for leather can strip away the leather's natural oils, causing it to dry out and crack over time.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

28th over: England 69-1 (led by 38 on first innings; Strauss 34, Bell 25) Cracking over from Warne to Bell.

The Guardian - Sport

Crack takes over your life".

Vice

Things that had slipped through the cracks over the years.

The New York Times

The Norman cracked over the final kilometre and began haemorrhaging time.

The Guardian - Sport

He's the one who's been cracked over the head.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When implying metaphorical failures or pressures, replace "crack over" with "succumb to pressure", "break under stress", or "give way" to enhance the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "crack over" in formal or academic writing where precise and unambiguous language is preferred. Opt for more descriptive terms that accurately convey the specific type of break or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack over" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, often describing a physical break or the yielding of something under pressure. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from materials deteriorating to metaphorical failures. The Ludwig AI notes it's not a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Science

38%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack over" is used to describe either physical breakage or metaphorical failure under pressure. While Ludwig's examples show it appearing in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, its usage is somewhat informal, and the Ludwig AI suggests it's not a standard expression. For clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, consider more descriptive alternatives such as "fracture across" or "split open" for physical contexts, and "succumb to pressure" or "break under stress" when referring to metaphorical yielding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fracture across

Replaces "crack" with "fracture," emphasizing the breaking aspect but maintaining the spatial relationship.

snap across

Emphasizes a quick and sharp breaking motion.

split open

Focuses on the action of something breaking apart and becoming open.

burst through

Implies a sudden and forceful opening or breaking.

break through

Suggests overcoming a barrier, similar to the cracking action.

fissure over

Highlights a long, narrow opening or crack, often in rock or earth.

cleave across

Suggests a sharp division or splitting.

rupture across

Implies a more forceful and sudden break than a simple crack.

craze across

Refers to fine cracks appearing on a surface, like glazing on pottery.

crease over

Indicates a folding or bending that results in a line or mark, a milder form of cracking.

FAQs

What does "crack over" mean?

"Crack over" can describe physical breakage or, metaphorically, a failure under pressure. Its exact meaning depends heavily on context.

How can I use "crack over" in a sentence?

Example: "The old vase began to "crack over" time." Or, metaphorically: "His resolve threatened to "crack over" the immense pressure."

What are some alternatives to "crack over" when describing physical damage?

Alternatives include "fracture across", "split open", or "break through", depending on the specific nature of the break.

When should I avoid using "crack over"?

It's best to avoid "crack over" in formal or technical writing where precise and unambiguous language is crucial. More descriptive terms will provide better clarity.