make a break for it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a break for it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when someone attempts to escape or leave quickly, often in a situation where they feel threatened or in danger. Example: "Seeing the door open, he decided to make a break for it." Alternative expressions include "make a run for it" and "make a dash for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Someone has to make a break for it.

The New York Times

The teenage girls quickly assessed their chances to make a break for it.

The New York Times

Three laps to go, will Cavendish make a break for it soon?

The Guardian - Sport

Did anyone shriek or cry, curse the transit system or make a break for it?

The New York Times

I took her forearm so we could make a break for it.

The Guardian

You see your opening, grab little Hitler, and make a break for it.

The Washington Post

And here's Beach Ball Party, which involved counting, stacking, and chasing beach balls determined to make a break for it.

Princeton University

RU 690, Accn 2009-A-070, Box 12. My advice to you: make a break for it.

Yale University

Driving had removed the temptation for any of us to make a break for it on the train.

The New Yorker

Hupp told her mother that they needed to make a break for it, then climbed out a rear window.

The New Yorker

Asters, too, are attractive in the dead months, especially when the fluffy, downy seeds make a break for it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a break for it" to add vividness and urgency to a description of someone trying to escape a difficult or dangerous situation.

Common error

Avoid using "make a break for it" in situations that are not urgent or don't involve an element of risk or escape. It's an idiom best suited for scenarios where someone is actively trying to get away from something undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a break for it" primarily functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of attempting to escape or leave a situation quickly and decisively. This usage aligns with the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a break for it" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe a rapid escape from an undesirable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, especially in News & Media. When writing, use it to vividly depict someone's decisive attempt to flee a threat or difficult circumstance. Consider alternatives like "make a run for it" or "make a dash for it" for variety, but avoid using the phrase in non-urgent contexts. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is your go-to for describing a quick and urgent escape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a run for it

Focuses on the act of running as the means of escape, similar to "make a break for it".

make a dash for it

Emphasizes a quick and sudden movement to escape.

bolt

Suggests a sudden and rapid escape, like an animal.

get away

A general term for succeeding in leaving or escaping.

escape

A more general term for getting free from confinement or danger.

flee

Implies running away from danger or something unpleasant.

break free

Highlights the act of overcoming constraints to escape.

take flight

A more formal and literary way to describe escaping.

abscond

To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action.

slip away

To leave quietly and discreetly.

FAQs

What does "make a break for it" mean?

The phrase "make a break for it" means to attempt to escape or leave a place or situation quickly, often because it is dangerous or unpleasant.

How can I use "make a break for it" in a sentence?

You can use "make a break for it" to describe someone's attempt to escape, such as: "Seeing the open door, he decided to make a break for it."

What are some alternatives to "make a break for it"?

You can use alternatives like "make a run for it", "make a dash for it", or simply "escape".

Is "make a break for it" formal or informal?

"Make a break for it" is generally considered an informal or neutral expression, suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but not typically used in highly formal contexts.